Nyesom Wike Casts Vote in Rivers LG Elections, Dismisses Concerns Over Non-Usage Of BVAS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has voted in the Rivers State local government elections.

Wike, who governed the state from 2015 to 2023, cast his ballot at about 11:15 a.m. in Ward 9, Unit 007, Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where he once served as council chairman for two terms starting in 1999.

After voting, the minister praised the peaceful atmosphere at the polling unit and brushed aside complaints about the non-use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Nyesom Wike also downplayed fears of low voter turnout, insisting more residents would show up before polls closed.

“I am very happy. It means that people identify with the election,” Wike, who was surrounded by supporters and his media aide, Lere Olayinka, said after voting, dismissing concerns about voter apathy.

“You have not heard of any violence. You have not heard of carrying ballot boxes. You see that the electoral materials are there. People are there casting their votes. As far as we are concerned, the election is very peaceful.

“Of course we are concerned [about low turnout] but people are trooping out. Before the election closes, you will see the number of persons [increase]. So, we are very happy that, at the end of the day, this election has been conducted very peacefully and successfully.”

On the absence of BVAS in the polls, the minister insisted it had no impact on the credibility of the exercise.

Wike said the successful conduct of the local government elections should pave the way for lifting Rivers emergency rule.

“So having done this, then the coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted, meaning that the local government has representatives, the state government has its own elected representatives, so we are good to go,” he said.

KanyiDaily recalls that Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), had urged residents to remain calm and peaceful as the state conducts its local government elections today.