Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has suggested that the six-month emergency rule currently in place in Rivers State may not be extended.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, the former Rivers governor disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has issued a new directive mandating the conduct of local government elections within 30 days.
Wike said Tinubu was not comfortable with dragging the emergency arrangement longer than necessary “The President, from my understanding, does not want the emergency rule extended because doing so will not be palatable to the people,” he stated.
According to him, a fresh regulation signed by Tinubu in July now compels the conduct of council polls within a month, which would replace the earlier 360-day window.
Wike added that the current state administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has the powers to supervise the elections and help return democracy to the grassroots.
Recall that the emergency rule was declared by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, after political violence and a breakdown of law and order rocked Rivers State.
With this new development, the countdown to restoring democratic governance in the oil-rich state has officially begun.
