Nigeria, Sept. 19 -- The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained the reason Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State did not participate in the recent local government council elections in the south-southern state.

The local election in Rivers was held on 30 August 2025.

The election was conducted while the then-Sole Administrator of the state, Ibok-Ete Ibas, held sway following President Bola Tinubu's suspension of Mr Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the state assembly.

The suspension of the governor and other elected officials of the government followed Mr Tinubu's declaration of emergency rule in the oil-rich state.

The development was triggered by a political feud between M...