Group Calls For Cancellation Of Elections In Rivers

As reactions continue to
trail the just-concluded presidential and National Assembly elections in Rivers State, the Concerned Political Parties in Rivers State have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in calling for the cancellation of the elections in the state.
The group, which said this at a press briefing in Port Harcourt recently alleged high level irregularities in the conduct of the elections in the state.
The leader of the group, Hon. Nsirim Chima of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), also accused the state Resident Electoral Commissioner of colluding with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the elections.
“We, the undersigned political parties under the auspices of Concerned Political Parties in Rivers State, are committed to upholding globally acceptable tenets of democracy unanimously declare that no election was held in Rivers State.
“Rather, what was purported to be an election was a mockery of democracy, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in concert with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Rivers State marred the entire process with high momentum of irregularities and malpractices deliberately orchestrated to rig the election in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The fact that INEC in Rivers State compromised is incontrovertible as there was virtually no polling unit where votes were cast, counted, results announced and pasted as required by the electoral law.”
The group also alleged killings and general intimidation as PDP thugs, aided by security operatives, brazenly brandished arms, unleashing mayhem on intending voters and members of other political parties.

General Manager, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celestine Ogolo, with this Rivers State Broadcasting counterpart, Ms Mediline Tador, during the 12th edition of Easter Choral Festival in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson