Tai: NOA Urges Restraint

Sequel to the fresh politi
cal tension generated by the announcement penultimate week by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the results of the earlier suspended March 19, 2016 rerun legislative election in Tai Local Government Area were ready, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in Rivers State has appealed for restraint from all parties in dealing with the issue.
The State Director of the NOA, Mr Oliver Wolugbom, made the appeal in an interview with The Tide in his office in Port Harcourt.
He emphasised the need for peace and stability in the state and urged all concerned to avoid violence and confrontational behaviour in responding to the development irrespective of how offended anyone or group may feel.
According to the NOA boss, constitutional means of seeking redress remains the best option that guarantees peace and security which he said are the bedrock of social and economic development in any society.
Wolugbom acknowledged that INEC had on March 19 and 20, 2016, announced through the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, the suspension of elections in eight local government areas including Tai with the caveat that the elections will be concluded at a later date but conceded to the electoral body the sole authority with regard to the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
“I want to appeal to all parties that peace is paramount”, he said, adding that “I think we should go back and begin to look at how best to deal with the issues peacefully”.
The NOA director further called on all stakeholders in the state to work towards making the new date set by INEC for the conclusion of the rerun legislative elections workable.
He said it was sad that 15 months into a 48 month tenure, Rivers State was yet to be fully represented in both the National Assembly as well as the state legislative house, regretting that adequate contributions from the state had been absent on key national issues like the appropriation law and the Petroleum Industry Bill.
“We therefore appeal to our politicians, now that we have a new date, to go back and talk to their supporters to ensure that they behave in a manner that will make this election come and go”, he said.

Opaka Dokubo