INEC suspends polls in Rivers State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the governorship and House of Assembly election in Rivers State on the account of high level infractions recorded during poll.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voters Education Committee, Barr. Festus Okoye confirmed reports of widespread disruption of elections conducted on the 9th of March 2019 in Rivers State.
He said “these initial reports suggest that violence occurred in a substantial number of polling units and collation centres, staff have been taken hostage and materials including result sheets have either been seized or destroyed by unauthorized 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 10th March 2019, the Commission has decided to suspend all electoral processes in the State until further notice”.
This, he said 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 the Commission has also established a Fact-Finding Committee to assess the situation and report back within 48 hours.
The Commission appealed to the people of Rivers State, particularly the voters, for their understanding as INEC look into the circumstances of these disruptions and what further action needs to be taken.
