Rivers Re-run Elections Malpractices
PDP Calls For Arrest, Prosecution Of Amaechi, Abe, Dakuku, Mpigi, Ibim, Nwaeke, Other APC Leaders
…Condemns Assault, Assassination Attempt On SSG, Govt. Hse COS respectively
…Seeks Justice In Military Killings
…Uncovers Plan to frame Up PDP Leaders
The Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bro. Felix Obuah calls for an immediate arrest and prosecution of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Mr Magnus Abe and Dakuku Peterside, Jukaye Flag Amachree and other APC chieftains for masterminding the spate of violence, killings and various cases of electoral malpractices during the Saturday re-run elections in some parts of the State.
The PDP chairman also demanded the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Barry Mpigi for hijacking electoral materials in Tai LGA to his home town, Koroma, with the aid of the military, and the former Commissioner for Youth in the State, Mr. Felix Nwaeke, who in connivance with an Army captain, also absconded with all electoral materials for ward 2, Obeakpu, in Oyigbo LGA, as well as Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who has shown that she lacks manners and does not possess the honor of a woman, as she engaged in ballot paper hijack and falsification of polls results.
Bro Obuah says it is most disappointing and embarrassing that the APC chieftains preferred to act irresponsibly and undemocratically by engaging in electoral frauds and using the military to intimidate the electorate and INEC officials in some parts of the rather than embarking on intensive campaigns to make the party known and popular in order to be voted for at the polls.
He strongly condemned the involvement of the Army in the elections which heightened tension in the State and emboldened the APC chieftains to carry out nefarious conducts during the exercise in the State, including disrespecting State authorities, Court orders and rule of law.
The PDP Chairman also bemoaned the assassination attempt on the Chief of Staff, Government House, Engr. Emeka Woke, the assault on the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Kenneth Kobani and other PDP leaders, who had been marked for arrest and detention by the APC- federal government, using the Army and the DSS, on spurious allegations to ensure smooth sail by the APC in the elections.
Bro Obuah observed that all suppressive and oppressive actions by the federal authorities, which have been very obvious in the re-run elections, are aimed at getting Rivers State, unfortunately, by all means, and which the electorate have resisted through their votes at the polls.
Our understanding of all of this is that the APC is only trying to create a state of anarchy in this part of the country and then blame it on perceived political opponents, a development we have continued to abhor and will not be allowed to strive in the State.
The PDP is seriously pained by the continued killing of the electorate, innocent and law-abiding citizens of our State by the APC-federal government controlled military and security authorities in the name of politics and election.
We, as a responsible party will continue to play by the rule, respecting all electoral principles and laws and to ensure strict adherence to the principles of free, fair and peaceful elections in the State.
We are also aware of attempt by the APC-federal government to arrest some chieftains of the PDP on spurious allegations, following the arrival of a team from the Department of State Security in Port Harcourt, with a list submitted to them on which the arrest would be carried out in the State and the PDP leaders taken to Abuja.
We therefore, reiterate our earlier and resolute call on the international community and all well-meaning citizens of Nigeria and the world over to impress on the Nigerian government and the All Progressives Congress to obey rule of law and to allow proper and free, fair and peaceful electoral process in Rivers State and other parts of the country.
While calling for thorough investigations into the assassination attempt on the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, and other cases of intimidation and assault on PDP leaders in the State, including killings by soldiers before and during the elections in the State, we also appeal to President Buhari to call his APC leaders in Rivers State to order to allow peace reign in the State.
Signed:
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser On Media And Publicity
To The PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah
Monday, March 21, 2016.
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