BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday announced the suspension of the electoral process for the Governorship and State Assembly election in Rivers State.
The Commission said its decision is based on reports from its officials in the field, that there has been widespread disruption of elections conducted on March 9, 2019 in Rivers State.
A statement by a National Commissioner and Chairman in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye, said that the initial reports suggest that violence occurred in a substantial number of polling units and collation centres.
Okoye also said that INEC staff were taken hostage and materials including result sheets were either seized or destroyed by unauthorized persons, adding that safety of INEC staff appears to be in jeopardy all over the state.
According to Okoye; “The Commission is concerned about the credibility of the process. Consequently, at a meeting held today on 10th March 2019, the Commission has decided to suspend all electoral processes in the State until further notice.
“This is in line with Section 26 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and Clause 47(e) of the Regulations and Guidelines of the Commission.”
Okoye said that the Commission has also established a Fact-Finding Committee to assess the situation and report back within 48 hours.
The electoral body appealed to the people of Rivers State, particularly the voters, for their understanding as it look into the circumstances of the disruptions and what further action needs to be taken.
