The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Augusta Ogakwu, said the National and State Assembly rerun elections earlier scheduled for July 30, has been postponed due to incidence of violence in a number of local government areas and the atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
“This situation is now worsened by direct attacks on the commission, of which the most recent and glaring was the burning down of the INEC office in Khana LGA on July 22, 2016.
“As a responsible organisation and conscious of the violence, maiming and fatalities which accompanied the previous election in March as well as developments in the state since then, the commission cannot ignore such reports.
“In the circumstance, therefore, it is compelled to further postpone the re-run legislative elections in Rivers state.
“One of the principal conditions earlier stipulated for the return of the state for the conclusion of the election has regrettably, not been met’’, she added.
The commission, however, restated its readiness to create a level playing field for all stakeholders to participate in the electoral process.
“The commission wishes to reassure all voters and stakeholders that it is ready to conclude the elections within the shortest time possible once the security situation is conducive for the conduct of peaceful polls.’’
In a related development, the major actors in Rivers politics, Messrs Wike and Amaechi, agreed to a peace deal to end political violence in the state.
The deal was brokered by the acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, and the Director-General of the State Security Service, Lawal Daura, police spokesperson, Donald Awunah, said in a statement Tuesday evening.
“In a concerted effort to guarantee a violent-free and credible re-run senatorial/house of representative elections in Rivers state, a crucial meeting to chart the path to peace in Rivers state before, during and after the re-run elections in the state was held today, July 26, 2016 between the inspector-general of police, Ag IGP Ibrahim K. Idris and the director-general of Department of State Services, Musa Daura,” Mr. Awunah said.
“The two major players in the politic of Rivers state, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers state and the Hon minister of transport, Rotimi Amaechi, were in attendance.
“The meeting deliberated on the overall need to have peaceful, free and fair election devoid of violence, which was the hallmark of the previous elections in the state.
“The governor, His Excellency Nyesom Wike and minister, Rotimi Amaechi resolved to be irrevocably commit to lasting peace and vouched to play the game by the rules in the forthcoming re-run elections in the state. They also agreed to prevail on their teaming supporters to adhere to their commitment to peace and security in the state.
“In addition, the two major stakeholders agreed to convene another meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, aimed at further solidifying the commitment to peace reached in the meeting, which is a prelude to the roadmap that will usher a permanent and lasting peace in Rivers state.
“The meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cordiality.”
