Rivers LG polls peaceful, no violence or vote-buying recorded – Observers

The Rivers State Local Government elections held on Saturday have been described as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria’s recent history, with no cases of thuggery, violence, or vote-buying reported across the 23 local government areas, according to election observers.

Head of Mission of the Rivers State Local Government Polls Observation, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, revealed this in a statement sent to CAPITAL POST on Sunday.

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He confirmed that 330 observers were deployed across the state and commended the conduct of security agencies and the electorate.

The statement also noted that Dr. Nwambu had earlier spoken to journalists on Saturday evening about his observations of the election.

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“And we had a pre-election observation and analysis which we conducted, where we made a needs analysis of what transpired. We noticed that before the election there was no election-related violence.

“There was no acrimony. People were campaigning strictly on issues, and personalities were not being attacked, unlike in past conventional elections. What is happening today is that elections started in good time, although not in all polling units did voting commence at 8:30 a.m.

“There were pockets of areas where there were little delays, like elections starting around 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. In ward 7 and some areas in Elelewon, elections commenced at about 8:45 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.,” he said.

On the security situation, Nwambu explained that the environment was peaceful for the exercise.

He said, “We have not observed any incidents of electoral-related violence. The security, the police—which is the lead agency in charge of internal security and the democratic process—are on top of the game. And I think so far, it is good.

“You see, the checkpoints are okay. They are manned by a joint task force made up of several law enforcement agencies, including the military. It is not difficult as usual. The joint task force is well briefed and well trained.

“They are strictly adhering to the rules of engagement. This is one of the best elections in terms of the performance index of the law enforcement agencies. They are not beating up anybody. They are not brutalising anybody. Unlike in the past, when you would introduce yourself as an election observer, they would pretend not to hear you.

“This time, they are even ready to assist you to cross and go your way, provided you conduct yourself peacefully. So, I think the security situation here in Rivers State is excellent.”

Nwambu added that compliance with movement restrictions was high, noting that young people resorted to playing football on deserted roads, while voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

He praised the peaceful conduct of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the electorate, and candidates, describing the election as a “pace setter” for Nigeria.

“We would recommend this pattern of election for Nigeria any day, any time, because of the peaceful disposition of both the electorate, the candidates themselves, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, which so far has demonstrated capacity and competence in terms of preparedness and dispensation of the electoral mandate.

“What is happening today is the supremacy and predominance of the rule of law. … In all the observers we deployed to the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, there was no case of vote-buying observed anywhere. I mean, this is a pace setter. This is how an election should be.

“Honestly, this is not yet Uhuru, because we still have until about 4:00 p.m. before voting will be completely concluded. But I believe, honestly, that this election is one of the best in the history of Nigeria,” he said.

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