Violence, poor preparations mar polls in Rivers

The violence recorded during the electioneering campaign in Rivers state continued across different parts of the state on Saturday, consequently impeding the conduct of the presidential and parliamentary election.

Apart from Bonny local government area, there was hardly any other local government that did not witness disturbances.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged that the electoral officers and security agents were working against its interest.

Chibuike Amaechi, governor of the state, boycotted the exercise, accusing Gecila Khan, resident electoral commissioner (REC) of the state, of working for President Goodluck Jonathan, a native of Bayelsa state like her.

Supporters of APC and PDP clashed in different places, including Ubima, the community of Amaechi.

Suspected hoodlums took advantage of the situation to dispossess many of their belongings, while ballot boxes and other electoral materials were hijacked in Gokana, Eleme, Obio Akpor and some other areas.

A soldier, who was among security agents accompanying INEC officials to their place of assignment was killed by thugs in Obio Akpor.

Koko Essien, the brigade commander, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, confirmed the incident.

About five other persons, including one Chris said to be an indigene of Akwa Ibom, resident in Eleme, was killed.

Also, violence prevented election from holding in most parts of Calabari kingdom.

An indigene of the area told TheCable that gunshots rocked the air for hours and that the security personnel watched helplessly.

Though voting progressed in some places, the hitches of the card readers affected the conduct of the exercise, as voting could not commence by the scheduled 1pm.

In Opobo/Nkoro local government, the people decided to shun the exercise on the account that original result sheets were not taken to the area.

However, INEC has promised to conduct election in the community on Sunday.