Politics
Reactions Trail Voters’ Registration In Rivers
Barely ten days to the deadline for the on-going voters registration, most eligible voters are still not impressed with the poor performance of INEC Direct Data Capture Machines (DDCM) in Rivers State.
This followed revelations that some registration centres technically abandoned the finger print machines because of its poor performance, thereby causing disaffection among eligible voters.
Our correspondents that monitored the registration exercise reported that many of the DDCM deployed to the state are technically defective while other units have not received enough machines to cover the massive eligible voters at various centres.
The state Resident Electoral Commission, Mr. Aniedu Ikoiwark confirmed this, when he was reported to have said computer engineers and experts have been deployed to most registration units across the state to improve on the speed of the machines.
At Agip Estate in Port Harcourt only 70 eligible voters were reported to have registered due to low battery in the machine, since the exercise started.
One of the eligible voters, Mr. Theophilus Amadi call for extension, as according to him, he visited the Agip estate registration over two days without his finger print captured by the machine.
In Andoni, the Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Silvanus said he has already sent his appeal to INEC for the extension of the on-going voters registration. According to him, the 207 DDCM deployed to Ngo was not enough and they are too slow to capture the massive turn out of eligible voters.
Chief Ephraim Etete-Owhoh, who corraborated the arguments of Hon. Silvanus explained that the exercise would not be effective with the poor performance of the DDCM.
He reasoned that INEC should settle for the manual or immediately correct the anomalies inherent in the DDCM in the area.
In ASALGA, the DDCM sent to the 13 ward, is not enough and even the machines already on ground is not performing effectively.
At Etche except for the initial hitches due to poor performance of the finger print machine, the 207 DDCM, sent to the area were deployed effectively for optional use.
The INEC Officer in Okehi, Dr. Gabriel Okoye said already security has been beefed up at the council headquarter to protect the machines.
When contacted on phone, the INEC PRO in the state, Mrs Tonia Nwobi admitted that there were some lapses when the exercise started, but said on the average, the slow pace arising from the poor state of some of the machines has been rectified.
As I am talking to you, she said, “The INEC Commissioner and team are in Tai to correct few anomalies”.
No fewer than 70 million Nigerians are expected to be registered in about 120,000 centres throughout the country.
It will be recalled that the last voters registration exercise was conducted in 2006 in the country.
Philip Okparaji, Ike Wigodo, John Bibor Enoch Epelle/Akujobi Amadi
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
-
News5 days ago2026 Budget: FG Allocates N12.78bn For Census, NPC Vehicles
-
Sports4 days agoAFCON: Osimhen, Lookman Threaten Algeria’s Record
-
Politics4 days agoRivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
-
Politics4 days agoWike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
-
Sports4 days agoPalace ready To Sell Guehi For Right Price
-
Sports4 days agoArsenal must win trophies to leave legacy – Arteta
-
Sports4 days agoTottenham Captain Criticises Club’s Hierarchy
-
Sports5 days agoNPFL To Settle Feud between Remo Stars, Ikorodu City