Politics
Probe Plot To Swap Rivers Poll Result, Mitee Tells FG …Allegation Is False -INEC
From Right: PDP Chairman South-South, Cairo Ojuigo, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Opara during the Rivers West Senatorial District Campaign rally at Ahoada last Saturday.
A human rights activ
ist in Rivers State, Mr Leedum Mitee, has called on the Federal Government to investigate the alleged plot to swap result sheets in the forthcoming re-run elections in the state.
The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike had alleged a plot by the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon Chibuke Rotimi Amaechi, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Amina Zakari to swap authentic results from polling units with fake ones during the March 19, 2016 rerun elections in the state.
Mr Mitee made the call on Wednesday, while responding to questions in a television programme tagged: “Security Situation in Rivers and Re-Run Election”, organized by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to proffer solution to insecurity and election malpractice ahead of the rerun election in the state.
According to him, rumours without investigation can highten tension in the rerun elections.
He called on the Federal Government to investigate any allegation either against officers of the commission or the adhoc staff to reduce tension in the rerun elections.
Mitee also called for more awareness of the new voting process endorsed by INEC to conduct the Saturday’s rerun elections whereby accreditation and voting are to be done simultaneously.
According to him, many voters, especially those in rural areas have no ideas of the new voting process, fearing this might lead to poor voting by the electorate.
But the INEC Director for Voters Education, Oluwole Osaze Uzzi denied the allegation of swaping result sheets, saying there was no any linkage between any INEC officer and politicians to do such things.
He said the INEC’s preparation towards the rerun elections was organized in such a way that no politician can have his or her way to manipulate result sheets or carry out rigging in the rerun elections.
Mr Uzzi reassured that, tomorrow’s rerun elections would be conducted in a way that the electorate would have the right to choose candidates of their choice without molestation and harrassement.
He said the era of rigging had passed and that with the assistance of security agencies INEC will do something different and acceptable by law in tomorrow’s re-run elections.
Enoch Epelle
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.