INEC lists 66 ‘reports of violent incidents’

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commended Nigerians for participating in the last governorship elections in 29 states and has promised to investigate the “66 reports of violent incidents” in its possession.

The commission expressed happiness that many parts of the country were peaceful during the elections, but some states with the likes of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi and Ondo states recorded a significant number of violent incidents.

“Overall part of the country remained relatively peaceful during the elections. Some states however recorded a significant number of violent incidents, the most affected being Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi and Ondo states,” INEc said in a statement.

“INEC’s records show that there were 66 reports of violent incidents targeted at polling units, the commission’s officials, voters and election materials.

“These were in Rivers state (16 incident), Ondo (8), Cross River and Ebonyi (6 each), Akwa Ibom (5), Bayelsa (4), Lagos and Kaduna (3 each), Jigawa, Enugu, Ekiti and Osun (2 each, Kastina, Plateau, Kogi, Abia, Imo, Kano and Ogun (1 each). The commission is investigating these incidents and will do everything within it powers to bring culprits to justice.”

INEC praised Nigerians for participating in the electoral process, urging them to maintain peace and to accept the outcome of the result.

“INEC commends Nigerians for once again demonstrating their resolve and commitment to participate in the electoral process and by doing so, contributing to deepening democracy in our country.

“The commission calls on every citizen to maintain the peace as the results are being processed,  and to accept the official outcome. Any aggrieved persons persons or groups are encouraged to seek redress at the tribunal.”