…Sets up Fact-Finding Committee
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended all electoral processes in Rivers State until further notice.
The Commission in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye on Sunday in Abuja said that following reports from its officials in the field, it had determined that there had been widespread disruption of elections conducted in on the 9th day of March, 2019in the state.
It added that initial reports suggested that violence occurred in a substantial number of polling units and collation centres, staff had been taken hostage and materials including result sheets had either been seized or destroyed by unauthorized persons.
It further said that the safety of its staff appeared to be in jeopardy all over the state and that it was concerned about the credibility of the process.
“Consequently, at a meeting held today 10th 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”, it said.
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