BREAKING: INEC Suspends All Electoral Processes In Rivers

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, suspended all electoral processes in Rivers State.

This was contained in a statement issued by INEC National Commissioner, and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye.

The commission said the suspension was based on the widespread disruption of election in the state including the violence that occurred in most polling units.

“Based on reports from our officials in the field, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has determined that there has been widespread disruption of elections conducted on the 9th day of March 2019 in Rivers state.

“These initial reports suggest that violence occurred in a substantial number of polling units and collation centres, staff have been taken hostage and materials including result sheets have either been seized or destroyed by unauthorized persons.

“In addition, safety of our staff appears to be in jeopardy all over the state and the commission is concerned about the credibility of the process,” INEC statement read in part.

Meanwhile, reports from the state indicate that the gubernatorial election was marred by violence and alleged intimidation of voters and supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by security agents.

The reports also suggest that the state looks like a war zone owing to the deployment of military and other security agencies for the elections.