Security Agents Helped in Causing Disruption During Rivers By Election - Gov. Wike


THE Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has maintained that security agents abetted the disruption of the August 18 by-election held in Port Harcourt Constituency 3.



Wike also called on non-governmental organisations and the international community to speak out on the matter in order to avoid a repeat of the incident in Port Harcourt or anywhere in the country.

The governor made this remarks on Tuesday in Port Harcourt while declaring open the 31st edition of the National Technical Committee Meeting of the National Festival of Arts and Culture tagged, ‘Our Festivals, Our Heritage’.

Describing Rivers State as safe, Wike, who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, pointed out that measures had been put in place for a successful celebration of the cultural festival.

He said, “It is sad that last two weeks, we had a by-election in Port Harcourt City Constituency III, in which people came out to vote, but security agencies abetted the disruption of the electoral process.

“We are mentioning this because we believe in democracy and if this continues, it will affect our democracy. We call on NGOs, international bodies to speak out on this so that it does not take place again in Port Harcourt or anywhere in Nigeria.”

He, however, restated his commitment to work for the unity and development of Nigeria, adding that the country’s destiny would not be cut short by the activities of some people.

“The governor believes so much in the unity of the nation and in the development of Nigeria. The destiny of this nation will never be cut short. Our vision is on development, provision of good roads, bridges, education health care and culture and tourism.