Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has mocked his critics over the recently conducted local government elections in Rivers State, insisting that no amount of opposition could undermine the process.
Speaking during a meeting with political stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Wike said those who doubted the capacity of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct credible polls were now “silenced by the outcome.”
The former Rivers governor accused his detractors of engaging in propaganda to discredit the election, stressing that the massive turnout of voters showed the people’s confidence in the system.
“Some people thought they could blackmail us with lies, but Rivers people have spoken loudly. They came out, they voted, and they defended their votes. No amount of noise can change that fact,” he declared.
Wike also praised the security agencies for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere during the polls, while commending the newly elected chairmen and councillors. He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering projects that would directly impact the grassroots.
However, opposition parties have criticized the exercise, alleging irregularities and voter intimidation in some local government areas. They called for the cancellation of the results, a demand the state electoral body has dismissed as baseless.
Political analysts say Wike’s comments may further heighten political tensions in Rivers, which has witnessed a fierce contest between rival camps in recent months.
