We recorded 70 cases of electoral violence in Rivers – INEC

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the commission records over 70 cases of electoral violence during the legislative rerun election in Rivers State.

Yakubu disclosed this while addressing a world conference at the opening ceremony of a two-day Capacity Development for INEC Press Corps on Friday in Abuja.

Yakubu said the level of violence witnessed in the rerun was alarming.

He said, “Indeed, in many instances, we had to deploy directly from the local government areas to PUs, contrary to our plans.

“Amidst heavy shooting by political thugs, vehicles transporting materials and personnel to PUs were hijacked.

“Voter registers, ballot papers, result sheets and Smart Card Readers were brazenly snatched at gun point.”

He said INEC will take proper action on the violence recorded.

He said, “The INEC shall carefully scrutinise them and take appropriate action under the law and its guidelines and regulations.”

Yakubu further said INEC will work with security agencies to punish those who disrupted the distribution of election materials.

He said, “INEC will work with the security agencies to uncover and punish those who disrupted the distribution of election materials

“To uncover the hijacking of election materials in Andoni, Oyibo and Ogu-Bolu, the hostage taking in Akoku Toru, the physical attack and kidnapping of election personnel.”

He said INEC officials who tried to disrupt electoral processes will also be punished.

He said, “We also acknowledge that in Ahoada East and West, a Supervisory Presiding Officer unsuccessfully tried to abscond with ballot papers and result sheets.

“We are also investigating the allegation of bribery involving other staff, particularly those deployed to Etche and Ikwerre.

“We wish to assure all Nigerians that the Commission is instituting an administrative inquiry as part of a comprehensive review of the Rivers re-run elections.

“Needless to say that any INEC staff found to have disobeyed clear rules and regulations will be appropriately sanctioned.”