Rivers State bye-election: Wike warns trouble makers to keep away

The Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has alerted the public on plots by some politicians to import thugs and cultists to negatively influence the outcome of the Port Harcourt State Constituency 3 Bye-Election on Saturday.

Governor Wike urged leaders of political parties and their candidates to advise their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during and after the election, stressing that the election is not a do-or-die affair.

In a state broadcast on Friday, Governor Wike declared that all those plotting to use political thugs and cultists would be tracked down and made to face the full weight of government and extant laws.

He said: “Furthermore, we have it on good authority that some failed politicians are planning to use cultists and political thugs to intimidate voters and attempt to disrupt the voting process.

“We, therefore, advise all those who have no business with the election process to, in their own interest, keep their distance from the constituency during the duration of the bye-election.”

To ensure that the Port Harcourt State Constituency Bye-Election is conducted under a peaceful atmosphere devoid of rancour, Governor Wike announced restriction of movement across the constituency between 7am and 7pm.

Governor Wike said: “The Rivers State Government has put adequate measures to ensure that the bye-election is highly successful and the outcome generally acceptable.

“Part of such measures includes the restriction of vehicular movements in the entire length and breadth of Port Harcourt Constituency 3, as well as the closure of the following roads and routes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday 18th August, 2018.

“From Agip junction (Rumueme) through Ikwerre Road and adjoining streets to Olu Obasanjo Road and adjoining streets to UTC junction and adjoining streets in Diobu areas of Port Harcourt Local Government Area,” he said.

He urged the people and residents to turn out en masse to vote and defend their votes.

Governor Wike appealed to youths, elders, and women to troop out to vote a candidate who would work towards the advancement of good governance in the state.

“This election is very important to the people and residents of Rumuokowu, Ihuwo-Orogbu, Rumuokara-mati, Rumuelechi, Oro-obaziolu, Rumu-enyika, Rumuopareli, Rumuobiekwe, Rumukpalukwuozu, Rumuogbarawehu and Rumuwoji communities because it will enable them to elect who will represent and advance their interests in the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he said.

The Port Harcourt State Constituency 3 seat became vacant following the resignation of Hon. Victor Ihunwo who has since been elected as the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council.