Video: Fubara returns to office in three weeks — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, has hinted that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, will be reinstated on September 18, stressing that the coast is now clear for the lifting of the state of emergency declared in the state.

Wike made the declaration shortly after casting his vote at about 11:00 am in Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area during the Local Government Area elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

The election, which held across the 319 wards and 23 local government areas of the state, was, however, marred by widespread voter apathy, late arrival of materials, and reports of missing original result sheets. Most polling units witnessed low turnout of voters, especially in urban centres, while some rural communities recorded relatively better participation.

There were also reports that the polls were conducted without the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, sparking criticism from observers and some political actors.

As at 10:00am, materials had yet to arrive at several polling units in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Emohua and other LGAs due to logistics challenges faced by RSIEC. Electoral officers were reportedly still sorting materials and grappling with manpower issues at various Registration Area Centres (RACs), causing a delay in the commencement of voting.

In defiance of the restriction of movement order issued by the police, many residents went about their daily activities, with markets in some areas operating partially.

When voting eventually commenced, there were complaints in several areas over the non-availability of original result sheets. In Ward 5 of Emohua LGA, some units in Ikwerre, Khana, Obio/Akpor and even Opobo/Nkoro LGA—home of the suspended governor—voters and party agents raised concerns over the absence of crucial electoral materials.