INEC suspends Rivers State Governorship and State Assembly election
– INEC has suspended the Rivers state 2019 Governorship and State Assembly Election until further notice
– The suspension came as a result of the widespread of disruption of polls during the election
According to a latest report, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has suspended the 2019 Governorship and State Assembly Election which took place in Rivers State yesterday, 9th of March.
This latest development was made public by the National Commissioner of the electoral commission, Mr. Festus Okoye today.
Mr. Okoye in a statement with members of the press disclosed that the election was suspended until further notice owing to widespread disruption of polls during the election in the state.
The Electoral commission also raised concerns about it staff in the state which Mr. Festus Okoye claimed may be in jeopardy.
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Below is the statement released by the electoral body, it reads:
“Based on reports from our officials in the field, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has determined that there has been widespread disruption of elections conducted on the 9″I day of March 2019 in Rivers State.
“These initial reports suggest that violence occurred in a substantial number of polling units and collation centres, staff have been taken hostage and materials including result sheets have either been seized or destroyed by unauthorized persons.
” In addition, safety of our staff appears to be in jeopardy all over the state and the Commission is concerned about the credibility of the process.
“Consequently, at a meeting held today 10″1 March 2019, the Commission has decided to suspend all electoral processes in the State until further notice. This is in line with Section 26 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and Clause 47(e) of the Regulations and Guidelines of the Commission.
“The Commission has also established a Fact-Finding Committee to assess the situation and report back within 48 hours. We appeal to the people of Rivers State, particularly the voters, for their understanding as we look into the circumstances of these disruptions and what further action needs to be taken “
