Politics

INEC suspends Rivers by-election over violence

Published

6 years ago

August 18, 2018

The Independent Electoral Commission has suspended the bye – election for the Port Harcourt Constituency lll State Assembly seat held Aug . 18 in the State.Mr Obo Effanga, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State , who announced the suspension in a statement on Saturday night , cited widespread violence as reasons for the suspension .

The bye – election was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission to fill the vacancy left by former state Assemblyman , Mr Victor Ihunwo , now Chairman , Port Harcourt City Local Government Area .

Effanga stated that because the exercise was marred by widespread violence , it was suspended in accordance with Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010 .

“ INEC has decided to suspend the election forthwith , ’’ he said

He did not give a new date for the bye -election .

NAN reported earlier that suspected hoodlums accused of working for one of the major political parties attacked election officials in an attempt to hijack election materials .

Mr Gbekwele Chidi , a voter , and witness , confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday .

He said that the attack took place at Nkpolu – Oroworokwu community .

NAN