The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the recently concluded local government elections in Rivers State, insisting that the process was peaceful, transparent, and well-organized.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, in a video shared by Channels Television, Wike dismissed criticisms that described the polls as an “aberration.”
According to him, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSEIC) deserves commendation for successfully organizing the elections within just one month.
“When somebody has done well, say the person has done well,” Wike stated.
The minister revealed that several State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) chairmen across the country reached out to him to praise the smooth conduct of the exercise.
He lauded the RSEIC chairman and members for what he termed a credible election, stressing that their performance was worthy of national recognition.
“If I have my way, I’ll recommend RSEIC Chairman and members, the president should take them to the national level,” Wike added.
Wike also commended security agencies for ensuring order throughout the polls.
“Look at the conduct of the election. For the first time in our history, there were no gunshots, no snatching of ballot boxes, no kidnapping of returning officers,” he said.
The FCT Minister, however, criticized detractors who focused on negative narratives while ignoring the peaceful outcome, arguing that such comments were unfair and undermined the progress achieved.
