Rivers LG Polls: CTC Chairman Warns Nyesom Wike on Presidential Overreach
Wike Cautioned Against Overstepping Presidential Authority
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been cautioned to respect the boundaries of his authority in relation to President Bola Tinubu's executive powers. The warning was issued by Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Director General of Simplified Movement Worldwide (SMW) and outgoing Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area in Rivers State.
Bipi accused Wike of attempting to undermine President Tinubu’s leadership by allegedly directing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to halt the recently concluded local government elections in Rivers State. This accusation followed the withdrawal of police officers from the election, reportedly in compliance with a Federal High Court order from Abuja.
Conflict with Supreme Court Directive on Local Government Autonomy
Bipi criticized Wike's actions, stating they were in direct opposition to President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy. This ruling, which mandates that all states must conduct local council elections before October 30, 2024, was seen as part of the federal government’s effort to strengthen local governance.
"It is alarming that a minister, who serves at the pleasure of the President, would attempt to countermand a presidential directive by instructing the Inspector General of Police to act contrary to it," Bipi stated. He described Wike's actions as an attempt to overreach the powers vested in the presidency.
Criticism of Federal High Court’s Jurisdiction
Bipi also took aim at the Federal High Court in Abuja, suggesting that it lacked the jurisdiction to intervene in the Rivers State local government elections. He accused Wike of manipulating the court to secure an order that contradicts the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy.
According to Bipi, this interference threatened the constitutional role of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which is responsible for organizing elections within the state.
Commendation for Governor Fubara and the Election Process
Despite the legal and political challenges, Bipi praised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for conducting what he described as one of the most peaceful local government elections in Nigeria's history. He noted that elections in Ogu/Bolo and other parts of the state proceeded smoothly, even in the absence of security personnel due to the withdrawal of police forces.
Bipi expressed his gratitude to the residents of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, commending their peaceful conduct and the impressive voter turnout. He highlighted the community’s ability to maintain order despite heightened political tensions, referring to Ogu/Bolo as the most peaceful local government area in Rivers State.
In conclusion, Bipi reiterated his concern over Wike’s actions and urged all political actors to respect the rule of law and the authority of the presidency in matters related to local government autonomy and electoral processes
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