Rerun Polls: Holding INEC To Account

the rerun polls over excuses bordering on insecurity, INEC is deliberately or inadvertently sustaining the exclusion of the state from the union.
Curiously, days before the postponement of the July 30, rerun, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike raised the alarm that he had received incontrovertible hints that the electoral body had concluded plans with an opposition party in the state to truncate the rerun elections. On behalf of the government and people of the state, Governor Wike quickly advised INEC to consider the negative implications of such obvious miscarriage of justice.
But it did appear that the electoral body had already resolved to do what the state protested against, and merely needed an excuse, no matter how flimsy, to act.
Rivers State was accordingly, shocked to find the INEC office in Ogoniland, one of the battle ground zones for the Senatorial elections, razed by arsonists. Governor Wike blamed the action on those he believed were not prepared for the elections and so were colluding with INEC to truncate the rerun.
Expectedly, the electoral body cashed-in on the destruction and quickly postponed the rescheduled polls, hinging its decision on insecurity, the same reason that the Police High Command gave for its questionable postings in the state, a week earlier and so,  should, have prevented such criminality.
Now, the question is: why is it that it is only when rerun election dates are fixed that such criminal acts are orchestrated? Is it not to provide an excuse for the continuous truncation of the elections and by extension marginalisation of Rivers State in national affairs, which the non-representation of the state at the National Assembly clearly means?
The office of a Senator for instance, attracts more employees than the occupier of the office. It also provides for political aides and domestic staff, all family men and women upon whom several others also depend for survival. Wives of such officials also contribute to the economy through the establishment of small businesses. This is indeed why the recurrent postponement of elections meant to fill Rivers seats at the National Assembly is wicked, inconsiderate and marginalising.
It should be stated here that, the historical relevance of what became old Rivers State remains unchanged to date. Apart from being the hub of the hydro carbon industry, the state for years remained the second largest producer of crude, the country’s major source of revenue, in addition to accounting for the production of 100 percent gas, which Nigeria exports.
For this, the state is home to many expatriates and multinational companies who have not raised any serious security concerns, as daily experienced in other states.
Infact, the state has recently played host to several vital national and international events as a destination of choice. In August alone, Rivers State will be home to the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) conference and that of the All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC). The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention is also on the way.
If the state was as insecure as INEC paints it, why would these reputable organisations consider it a destination of choice? Does it not seem obvious to the electoral body that it is being used by unprepared politicians to prolong the conclusion of the elections it had earlier declared inconclusive? Does INEC not see through the charade, the shameful credentials of a ‘dog in a manger,’ fuming, since I cannot have it, nobody else should?
INEC must work harder to redeem people’s itself. Thus far, the electoral body has eroded peoples confidence in its ability to remain neutral and avoid overt favouritism.
This is indeed a threat to democracy which clearly undermines the modest gains that  created the platform for the emergence of an opposition party on the corridors of government. To destroy that same foundation would be a big dis-service not only to the fallen heroes, patriots, civil society organisations and indeed Nigerians who sacrificed their lives for democracy to take root, but indeed to future generations of Nigerians who deserve the benefits of self rule.
INEC must, as a matter of urgency, liaise with the security community, address all security concerns and fix an early date for the rerun elections. The continuous denial of the state, representation at the National Assembly is no longer acceptable.