Connect with us

Nigeria Decides 2019

INEC suspends elections in Rivers

Published

on

Paucity of funds may affect conduct of Bayelsa, Kogi polls - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the electoral process in Rivers State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday announced the suspension of the electoral process in Rivers State.

The commission took the decision following reports of myriad of electoral irregularities that it said took place during and after the Saturday March 9 governorship and House of Assembly elections in the oil rich state.

There have been reports of soldiers, police and other security officers deployed to the state as well as political thugs involving in ballot box snatching, stuffing and other electoral wrongdoings.

INEC’s position was contained in a statement released by Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, of the electoral body.

Read also: KWARA: Final blow for Saraki as APC’s Abdulrazaq clinches governorship seat

The statement said, “Based on reports from our officials in the field, the INEC has determined that there has been widespread disruption of elections conducted on the March 9, 2019 in River State.

“This initial report suggest that violence occurred in a substantial number of polling units and collation centres, staff have been taken hostage and materials including results sheets have either been ceased or destroyed by unauthorised persons.

“In addition, safety of our staff appears to be in jeopardy all over the state and the commission is concerned about the credibility of the process.

“Consequently, at a meeting held today March 10, 2019, the commission has decided to suspend all electoral process 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.

“The commission has also established a fact finding committee to assess the situation and report back within 48 hours. We appeal to the people of Rivers State, particularly the voters, for their understanding as we look into the circumstances of these disruptions and what further action needs to be taken,” the statement read.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now