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.
“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.

I just pray there is a way forward.