Why Rivers re-run elections were suspended - INEC

– The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) has explained why the re-run Rivers state
elections were suspended.
– The electoral body said the process was
characterised by disruptions and malpractice
INEC explains why Rivers re-run elections were
suspended
In a statement issued by Olowole Osaze-Uzzi, the
director in charge of voters education and publicity, on
Sunday, March 20, the electoral body stated that the
exercise witnessed a number of disruptions.
Uzzi stated that there were concerns over the level of
threats, violence and intimidation of election officials
and voters.
The statement reads in part: “Pursuant to the Orders of
the Court of Appeal, the Independent National Electoral
Commission(INEC) conducted elections into various seats
in both the National and the Rivers State House of
Assembly yesterday, the 19th of March, 2016.
“Rather unfortunately, some of these elections witnessed
the disruption of the process, including the barricading of
some of the INEC local government offices and registration
area centres (RACs) used for the distribution of electoral
materials which led to the late commencement of the
exercise in some places and consequently, its smooth take
off.
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“Of more serious concern was the level of threats, violence
and intimidation of election officials and voters by well
armed thugs and miscreants allegedly acting on behalf of
some politicians, which marred the elections in some
areas.
“There were reports of numerous attacks resulting in
fatalities, kidnappings, ballot snatching, diversion of
officials and materials, amongst others, which necessitated
its suspension in 8 local government areas. Regrettably,
such deviant behaviour has continued today.
“Several permanent and adhoc staff engaged have been
attacked, again resulting in fatalities, while some have been
forcibly abducted and taken to presently unknown
destinations. Under such difficult circumstance, the
returning officers were only able to collate and declare
results in 1 federal and 9 state constituencies where the
disruption and malpractices were not so widespread.
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“Having reviewed the situation, the commission is
compelled to suspend all further action concerning the
exercise in all the other constituencies in the state pending
the receipt of a comprehensive report from its field officials
and monitors.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that the
suspension does not affect the constituencies where the
exercise has been completed and the results declared by the
returning officers.”
Meanwhile, about 100 police officers drafted from
Akure, the Ondo state capital for the election rerun in
Rivers state were involved in an auto accident on
Friday, March 18.