Shoddy Preparations May Mar Degema LG Election

Shoddy preparations may mar the September 17 Degema local government elections as the Rivers State Independent Electorial Commission (RSIEC) is yet to publish the names of contestants and political parties participating in the election.

The electoral body which had concluded the screening of candidates on Wednesday could not make public the list of contestants 48 hours to the election as stated in the amended local government election bye-law.

The inadequate preprations have thereby put the hope of participants and political parties for the election on  the balance as to what may become their fate. Sources revealed that the commission may disqualify some candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties who submitted the names of their candidates late.

The commission was also accused of favouring the PDP; as they alleged that the PDP submitted its names of candidates on Monday, four days after the end of the deadline.

Mr. Princewill Enyi, Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rivers State, alleged that  PDP submitted its list on Monday which made the screening to last till Wednesday.

Enyi noted that the situation had created confusion in the system as the contestants and participating political parties were at a loss.

A press briefing scheduled  for yesterday was equally scheduled for today (Friday) to enable the commission come up with a position, because the current situation had created panic and doubt in the minds of contestants, their supporters and political parties.

Addressing newsmen yesterday, the Director of Press, Mr. Sam Woka said the commission was still compiling names of candidates.

Mr. Woka also said the commission was yet to post the names of the adhoc staff to the various wards and units for the election on Saturday.

The Director of Press confirmed that the commission had concluded the screening of candidates but was yet to compile them for publication.

The commission is expected to conduct elections in 17 wards of Degema Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, the PDP Wednesday handed over flag to the chairmanship candidate of the party, Mr. Daddy Pokima.