The 6 Division of the Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, has paraded a former Commissioner for Urban Development; Reason Onyia, a House of Assembly Member, Wanaka Okpokiri, four police officers attached to Government House, an Army Major and many other suspected thugs over alleged attempt to move ballot papers, or compromise security at the CBN where INEC materials were lodged for the just concluded elections.

Below is part of the press statement by the army.

On Saturday 23rd February 2019 at about 8:45 am following a tip up on attempt by Governor Wike’s aids to induce and compromise troops deployed at the CBN Port Harcourt premises, own personnel Maj AP Ubah and 3 other Police personnels, DSP Oyoku Ifelle (Camp Comdt Rivers State Govt House), Sgt Akanu Garba , Inspector Hycent Oboi and Sgt Nketan Chucks were arrested by a team from HQ 6 Div.

Preliminary investigations discovered the sum of Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty thousand Naira (N2,250,000.00) only in a Range Rover belonging to the DSP. Other items recovered are 4 INEC 2019 Electoral Tags, Customised Rivers State Government House brown envelopes while the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (500,000.00) only was found in the Toyota vehicle belonging to Maj AP Ubah which he confessed was given to him by the Governor’s aids in addition to offer of a well-furnished accommodation for the period of his tour of duty.

Similarly, same day Saturday 23rd February 2019 at about 7:00 am, a member of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Opokri Wanaka in company of Dr Reason Onya Williams, Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development visited own troops Camp at Akinima and requested to be acquainted with the Commander of the troops at the location. Hon Opokri offered the Officer some amount of money he removed from his pocket but the officer not only rejected the offer but sent the duo away.

Incidentally, while the Officer and his men were manning a Check Point at Mbiama Bridge, a white Hilux vehicle with a Rivers State Government Reg No.L02-03RV RIVERS and 8 occupants was stopped for routine search and clearance. A carton and 2 bundles of INEC 2019 presidential Election ballot papers were discovered in the vehicle. Preliminary investigation reveals that none of the occupants of the vehicle is an INEC staff, INEC Ad-hoc staff or security agent.

During the course of on the spot interrogations, Hon Opokri Wanaka and Dr Reason Onya Williams earlier mentioned above appeared at the spot and tried to convince the suspecting troops that the vehicle is part of INEC convoy that was left behind and that the vehicle should be allowed to go because the electorates are waiting. When the vigilant officer refused to be convinced, Dr Reason immediately placed a call to Governor Wike and His Excellency requested to speak with the officer who declined and requested the Governor to please call the GOC. After much resistance, the officer gave Dr Reason his number to pass to Governor Wike which he did via Whatsapp message. Within 10 minutes Governor Wike placed a call to the officer.

See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2019/02/army-parades-fake-inec-staff-allegedly-working-for-wike-in-rivers-state.html