The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that Rivers shall henceforth record a positive narrative in subsequent elections.
The Chairman of the conmission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represented by the commission’s National Commissioner for Rivers, Bayelsa and Edo, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, gave the assurance during the presentation of Certificate of Return to Rivers Governor-elect and Houses of Assembly Members-elect on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
He lamented the violence and lives lost over the years during elections in Rivers and assured of the commission’s readiness to change the odd narrative.
“I’m confident that going forward, elections in Rivers will be peaceful, and the narrative on Rivers elections will be positively changed forever.
“Over the years, sadly, lives have been lost in the name of elections in the state, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives in course of the 2019 elections.
“ They indeed sacrificed their lives while carrying out a lawful duty to their country, we pray that God grants them eternal rest,” he said.
The chairman, however, commended all relevant organisations that worked in synergy with the electoral umpire to ensure successful conclusion of elections in the state.
“We thank you all for your cooperation, contributions, fortitude, resilience and commitment towards peaceful election in Rivers.
“The presentation of certificate of return is a statutory obligation of the commission which is in fulfillment of the requirements of the law which says that certificates of return be issued to the winners of any election conducted by INEC.
“This occasion is only made possible because of the successful conduct of the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections which held on March 9, 2019.
“And the conclusion of the collation process on April 3, 2019 and the supplementary election held on April 13, 2019,” he said.
In the same vain, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Obo Effanga, said that the commission in spite of all challenges and electoral violence had successfully concluded elections in the state.
“Like many other recent elections in this state, the 2019 general election came with lots of drama, tension and violence, much of which were totally unnecessary.
“We thank God, for guiding us all to the end.
“We also celebrate the men and women of goodwill from Rivers, especially the electorate who committed to exercising their civic duties and in defending their votes in the face of unwarranted intimidation by persons whose interests were far from deepening democracy,” he said.
Effanga also paid tribute to an Ad hoc staff of the commission, late Miss Ibisaki Amakri whom, he said, was shot dead on Feb. 23, 2019 during the Presidential and National Assembly elections duty.
He said that Rivers INEC in the face of challenges had stayed focused in conducting free, fair and credible election.
“As I kept promising on behalf of my team, we are bound by the provisions of the constitution, the Electoral Act, other laws and the electoral guidelines, we were further bound by the pronouncements and decisions of the court.
“ Yes we know that not everyone is happy with us in maintaining the rules but we were undaunted and swore through valour in upholding the standards of equity, we refused to break the rules to please anybody.
“The present INEC team has by its conduct helped to break away from the negative narrative of violence tinted victories or elections that has limited inputs and voters participation,” he said.
Effanga therefore, expressed confidence in the victory of winners of the 2019 election, adding that it was an expression of the people’s commitment.
“We can say confidently that many voters had access to polling units and indeed, exercised their franchise,” he added.
Responding, Gov. Nyesom Wike thanked INEC and all organisations who participated in the successful election in the state.
He dedicated his victory to God and people of the state, adding that his victory was a reality because the people showed resilience.
“I’m one of the critics of INEC and shall continue in that manner but whenever they do the right thing, we will praise them that’s the only way our society will move forward,” Wike said.