Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is sure of victory in the re-run elections today in the state. He assured party faithful that with the poor performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government, no serious person will vote for the party in any election again.
Wike stated that the due to APC’s failed governance style, the party now relied on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig elections. The governor, who spoke during the PDP campaign for Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency at Afara, added that despite the illegal collaboration between APC and the Police, the people would not allow the rigging of today’s rerun elections for Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency.
He explained that while the PDP was campaigning for victory based on its performance, the APC leaders were in Abuja plotting rigging methods with INEC and the Police. He said: “APC has failed Nigeria. Nigeria has collapsed. The only state that is working in Nigeria is Rivers. That is why the APC cannot campaign here.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria police said they would deploy 3, 500 officers and men to monitor today’s election in Etche. This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO) Mr. Nnamdi Omoni. According to the PPRO, the number includes members of Mobile Police Force. Omoni also said other sister security agencies would be involved in monitoring the election.
On its part, the Independent National Electoral commission [ INEC] said it would strictly abide by professional ethics in the conduct of the outstanding legislative elections in Rivers.
The INEC National Commissioner in Charge of Rivers and Bayelsa, Mrs. May Agbamuche –Mbu, stated this yesterday in Okehi, Rivers State. She made the pledge while delivering sensitive electoral materials at INEC office at Okehi in Etche Local Government Area of the state.
“Allow democracy to thrive in Nigeria. You cannot continue to deceive the people. We shall not allow the police and other security agencies hijack electoral materials on Saturday. I live by my promises. In Etche Local Government Area, it is either I have fulfilled my promises or I am fulfilling them. I have completed the Igwuruta-Chokocho road, while the Chokocho- Umuechem-Ozuzu road, Afara-Nihi-Ulakwo and Chokocho-Igbo Etche road are ongoing. The Etche people will continue to enjoy projects from my administration.
“Those who give excuses in Abuja, have no place in Etche. For me, I have gone beyond being a governor. I am now Mr Projects. My attention is on the delivery of quality projects.” Also speaking at the campaign, Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Sekibo urged the people of Etche to join the Wike revolution by ensuring that PDP wins the Etche/ OmumaFederal Constituency on Saturday
She stated that since corps members would not be involved in today’s conclusive legislative rerun elections in Etche, INEC would be very meticulous in ensuring the success of the exercise.
The commissioner noted that the Commission had provided adequate staff to cover all the areas in the conduct of the rerun elections in Etche.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, [REC] for Rivers, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwac , said that despite the non involvement of corps members, INEC has adequate manpower to conduct the elections.
He aid the Commission was prepared to conduct free, fair and credible rerun elections in Etche. Ikoiwac noted that the security agencies have assured the Commission and stakeholders of providing adequate security.
The REC called on stakeholders and the political class to allow INEC carry out its duties freely without interference to ensure success of the exercise.
Ikoiwac promised that the Commission would ensure the distribution and movement of the sensitive materials to their destinations promptly to avoid delay in the process.
THE SUN
