The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has hinted that the six-month emergency rule declared in Rivers State may soon be lifted.
The former Rivers State governor also disclosed that a new directive has been signed by President Bola Tinubu mandating local government elections within 30 days.
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike said that President Tinubu has no intention of prolonging the interim arrangement beyond its original scope.
“The President, from my understanding, does not want the emergency rule extended because doing so will not be palatable to the people,” Wike said.
According to the former Rivers State governor, President Tinubu signed a fresh regulation in July directing that local government elections be conducted within 30 days rather than the previously expected 360-day timeframe.
Wike also said that the current State Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has the constitutional authority to oversee the elections and restore democratic governance at the grassroots level.
President Tinubu declared the emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing escalating political unrest and a collapse of law and order.