The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that the state of emergency in Rivers State will officially end on September 18. He explained that once the emergency period ends, the Rivers State House of Assembly will return to its normal functions.

Wike made this statement shortly after casting his vote in the ongoing local government election in the state.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier declared a state of emergency in Rivers State to prevent a political crisis. As part of the decision, Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months.

Speaking about the election, Wike said it was peaceful, with voters coming out in large numbers, and the process running smoothly.

He expressed confidence that by September 18, the state assembly will resume its duties and Rivers State will have elected leaders at the grassroots level once again.

Wike also pointed out that since both the state government and local governments now have their representatives, there is no reason to continue the state of emergency.