The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for its effective management of the recent local government council elections in Rivers State.
While expressing satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the elections, the party condemned the burning of the sectarian APC secretariat in the state as a “barbaric” act.
The Rivers State APC Chairman, Chief Emeka Beke, spoke after the vote at Rumua Okpasi Hall, Ward 3, Unit 4, Elibrada Community, Emohua Local Government Area.
He praised the smooth conduct of the election and said there was no negative impact on the electoral process, noting the absence of security guards at polling stations.
Beke said: “The elections are being held peacefully without security guards, but the elections are peaceful. These elections will decide who will govern the people at the grassroots level. The elections have gone smoothly without any crisis. I hope that other parts of the state will find peace as well.
“The absence of police officers has not affected the election at all. People will behave very well if elections are held without security personnel. Turnout will be fine.”
He also distanced himself and the APC from the recent arson attack on the faction office led by Chief Tony Okocha, making it clear that his party was not involved in the incident.
“I saw information on social media. I’m not the type of character to get involved in something like that. I condemn anyone who did that. It’s not in my character and I Never participate in it. That’s not the best way to deal with the problem,” Beke said.
Similarly, Local Government Affairs Secretary Prince Charles Beke also praised the RSIEC organization, saying voting in his unit took place in an orderly and uneventful manner.
He said: “Elections are being conducted peacefully in this unit. Voting started early and was conducted peacefully. There is no danger for us. We want people to know that elections are fair and that we are committed to ensuring that people vote and vote for the right local government chair and councillor.”
“In other local government elections we have had in the past, we have always found that there were clashes in every region. But the way things have played out this time, the RSIEC has no basis in doing what they did. All materials arrived on time.
Barrister Israel Abosi, the Chairmanship candidate of the Action People’s Party (APP) in Ikwerre Local Government Area, also commended the efforts of RSIEC.
After voting in Ward 6 Unit 3 of Erere Town, Mr Abosi rated RSIEC’s performance at 95%, noting that the electoral body had outperformed expectations.
Mr. Abossi commented: “What we see today in the history of elections in this state is amazing. Ikwerre Local government has always been seen as a battleground when it comes to elections, but today was a good experience. Everyone. It was peaceful and calm.
“RSIEC met people’s expectations. The elections started on time. From what I saw, they can score 95%. They did a good job.”