By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State House of Assembly, RVHA, has condemned the alleged printing of fake Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), result sheets and other sensitive materials meant for the rerun legislative elections in the state by a syndicate.
Recall that INEC last week had fixed December 10 as date for the conclusion of legislative elections in the state.
The Assembly’s condemnation followed a motion moved in plenary Tuesday by the lawmaker representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni constituency 1, Christian Ahiakwo.
Ahiakwo while moving his motion condemned the act and described it as a crime against the state, adding that the situation could cause chaos in the state if not properly handled.
He prayed thd assembly to condemn the act, urge security agents to investigate the matter and bring perpetrators to book. The lawmaker also prayed the National Assembly to carry out its oversight function on INEC to determine if it is ready for the rescheduled rerun elections.
Debating on the motion, the deputy speaker, Marshal Uwom and the Leader, Martins Amaewhule joined in condemning the act, stressing that if the matter is properly handled it could make mockery of the country’s democracy as persons that does, not represent the interest of their constituency could emerge from the process. Speaker of the Assembly, Daboturudima Adams while ruling on the motion said, “the act is highly condemnable and I therefore call on INEC to investigate the materials distributed in the state for the elections otherwise Rivers people would be forced to take our destinies into our hands to resist any attempt by INEC to rig the forthcoming rerun election in the state”.
The assembly adopted the prayers of the motion and added that the Rivers State Government should investigate whether the property located at No. 12 Isiokpo Street D/Line has the required approval to carryout commercial activities as it is located in a residential area.
