Rerun: Nothing To Fear, Wike Tells Voters …Orders Tight Security In Nine LGAs

Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. (Dr) Isaac Ayanasikike presenting a copy of his speech to the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, during a Prayer Summit organized by CAN at Dr. Obi Wali Conference Centre, Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has assured voters and citizens of their security during tomorrow’s State and National Assembly re-run elections.
In a state-wide broadcast on Wednesday to residents of the state, Wike reiterated that there was no cause for alarm despite claims by the opposition to use military in intimidating voters.
Already, he said he has received assurances from the armed forces that they will not deviate from their constitutional role of safeguarding law and order before, during and after the elections.
“There is already nothing to fear for every law abiding citizen of the state while exercising our right to vote. On the election day, simply take your permanent voter’s cards (PVCs), walk to your polling units to be accredited. Peacefully cast your vote, and wait at a reasonable distance as allowed by law until the results are counted, announced and documented,” Wike stated.
He urged the citizens not be intimidated by military presence as the law bars uniformed security personnel and thugs around polling centres.
“The only duty for security agencies,” according to Wike, “is to strictly enforce restrictions on human and vehicular movement on election day, and consequently, arrest any person or group of persons, including government vehicles that violate this order, and attempts to act anyway to undermine the peaceful conduct of the re-run elections in the state.”
While declaring yesterday and today work free days, the governor called on private and public offices and banks to observe the holidays, since that will enable those in private and public sectors to exercise their franchise.
He described the re-run elections as pivotal to the development of the state and the people, since it will allow them elect those they think should represent them in the state and national assemblies.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has ordered security agencies to tighten security in nine local government areas of Abua/Odual, Andoni, Akuku/Toru, Ahoada-East, Ahoada-West, Emohua, Ikwerre, Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.
The decision, he reasoned is to stem any incidence of violence since the areas have become flash-points of cultism and banditry, adding that as the chief executive officer of the state, he has the duty to protect lives and property before, during and after the elections.
Meanwhile, The national leadership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, vowed to resist all attempts it has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC), is making to subvert democracy in Rivers State.
The party also said it had mobilised its members and loyalists to resist such attempts by the ruling party to cause an opportunity for a state of emergency in Rivers State.
It warned that dire consequences would follow any attempt by the APC to push its plot to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State.
It added that it has “rallied all its formations in the state to stiffly resist by all means necessary in a democracy any move by the APC to scuttle the Saturday’s National and State Assembly rerun elections in the state.”
The PDP leadership, in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the party was privy to a grand design by the APC to orchestrate violence in the state with a view to truncating the elections, having realised that the PDP and its candidates are more popular and ready to win overwhelmingly in all the reruns.
“We are aware that the orchestration of violence is designed to serve as stimulus for the planned imposition of a state of emergency to enable the APC forcefully take over the state which is failed to get through the ballot box.
“We also know the design to unleash violence is behind the recent infamous call by APC spokesman in Ondo State, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya, for emergency rule in Rivers State.
“What else, apart from the execution of this plot explains the complains from our candidates and members in Rivers State of constant threats by partisan security operatives as well as the recent gale of arrests, attacks and killing of PDP supporters in the state?
“But let it be known that Rivers State is a stronghold of the PDP and that such profane quest would be squarely and comprehensively greeted with intense resistance and very dire consequences.
“Our position is guarded by the fact that we remain a responsible and law-abiding party committed to the sanctity of our electoral process, the interest and will of the Nigerian people. Besides, we have the numbers and the people of Rivers State are solidly behind us.
“It is on this note that we totally welcome President Muhammadu Buhari’s warning to those instigating violence and causing mayhem in Rivers State. It is our belief that the President’s warning is more directed to APC supporters who have shown unique thirst for violence.
“The hallmark of democracy is the inalienable rights of the citizens to freely choose their leaders; vote and be voted for, and we believe this right must be fully protected at all times.
“While we expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use Saturday’s polls to redeem its image by ensuring that the elections were not only credible but also conclusive, we support the people of Rivers State in their demonstrated resolve to stand up and use all lawful means necessary in a democracy to defend their votes in the reruns as well as protect the state government they voted for,” the party said.