The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, will return to office on September 18, following moves to lift the state of emergency declared in the state.

Wike, who made the revelation shortly after casting his vote at Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, during Saturday’s local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), said the political atmosphere in the state is now conducive for normal governance to resume.

The elections, held across 319 wards and 23 LGAs, were marred by low voter turnout, late arrival of materials, and complaints over missing original result sheets. Reports also emerged that RSIEC did not deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), drawing criticism from observers and opposition parties.

In many polling units across Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Emohua and other LGAs, materials arrived well past the scheduled time, with electoral officers still sorting logistics at Registration Area Centres as of 10:00 a.m. The situation sparked frustration among voters and party agents, especially in Emohua, Khana, Ikwerre and Opobo/Nkoro, home of the suspended governor.

Despite a police restriction of movement, residents in several areas went about their daily activities, with markets partially open.

At Unit 18, Ward 5, Elelewo, PDP agent Nyebuchi Chinda attributed the delays to RSIEC’s manual distribution of materials, which slowed the process as officers moved from one unit to another.

While many voters lamented the hitches, PDP candidates maintained optimism. Obio/Akpor chairmanship candidate, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, described the turnout as proof of the party’s strength.

“It is better late than never,” Worlu said. “Our people are here, performing their civic duty. This is a testament to the campaign we ran, and I’m confident of victory. Democracy must be defended.”

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, also praised the exercise, describing it as more organised and peaceful than past elections in the state.

Similarly, Port Harcourt City chairmanship candidate, Sir Allwell Ihunda, dismissed claims of voter apathy, insisting participation was strong and the polls credible.

Meanwhile, Wike hailed the peaceful conduct of the exercise, insisting it clears the path for the lifting of the state of emergency.

“You have not heard of violence or ballot box snatching,” Wike said. “Electoral materials are here, people are voting, and the process is going on peacefully. With this, the coast is clear for the emergency to be lifted. Local governments now have elected representatives, the state government is in place, so we are good to go.”

However, the minister faulted RSIEC’s refusal to deploy BVAS, stressing that the state must align with modern electoral practices.

As of press time, collation of results was still underway in several local government areas.