RIVERS: INEC set to complete collation, condemns role of military

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has informed that it will soon commence the collation of election results in Rivers State.

In a statement signed by its National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, the electoral body also condemned the role played by the Nigerian Army and armed gangs in disrupting the electoral process in the state.

On Rivers, INEC said; “On the 10th of March 2019, the Commission suspended all electoral processes in Rivers State having determined that there was widespread disruption of collation of results of the elections conducted on the 9th day of March 2019. Subsequently, the Commission set up a Fact-Finding Committee to assess the situation and report back within 48 hours.

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“The Commission met on the 15th day of March 2019 and considered the report of the Committee and established the following:

“That the Governorship and State Assembly elections took place in most of the polling units and results were announced.

“That the results from 17 Local Governments out of 23 are available and are in the Commission’s custody.

“That the Declaration and Returns for 21 State Constituencies out of 32 were made prior to the suspension. That collation centres were invaded by some soldiers and armed gangs resulting in the intimidation and unlawful arrest of election officials thereby disrupting the collation process.

“Consequent upon the foregoing, the Commission: Expresses its displeasure with the role played by some soldiers and armed gangs in Rivers State disrupting the collation process and attempting to subvert the will of the people. Is committed to expeditious completion of the collation process where results of the elections have been announced.

“Will engage the security agencies at national level and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee at the State level to demand neutrality and professionalism of security personnel in order to secure a peaceful environment for the completion of the elections.

“We’ll also engage with key stakeholders in Rivers State with a view to ensuring a smooth and peaceful completion of the process.

“INEC will issue detailed timelines and activities for the completion of the election on Wednesday March 20th, 2019”.

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