Date Published: 02/05/10

Amaechi to INEC: Rivers won't accept fraudulent polls

AHEAD of the 2011 general elections in Nigeria, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the peoples and government of Rivers will not condone any electoral fraud.

The governor said the state will also not tolerate the foisting of candidates on the electorate, pointing out that the electoral body has a responsibility to assist the state in broadening the participation of citizens in thbe electoral process.

Amaechi who spoke while welcoming the new Resident Electoral Commissioner to the state, Mr. Austin Eni Okojie, also declared that his administration was determined to provide a conducive atmosphere that will enable INEC conduct a free and fair elections in the state.

The governor assured Mr. Okojie who paid him a coutesty call that the peaceful coexistence prevailing currently in the state will be improved and sustained in such a way that the next elections in the state would be conducted in a conducive environment where votes must count.

“The current peace we are enjoying now in the state would be sustained to ensure that only those that are properly elected lead the people”, he stated.

He, however, noted that when votes count in an election, the political class would behave in a more responsible way towards the electorate so as to acknowledge that power belongs to the people, adding that the people alone should decide whom to entrust with their mandate.

The governor agreed to assist  INEC on its proposed plan to embark on a local government tour to sensitize and enlighten voters on their right as part of preparations for the 2011 elections.

Earlier, Mr Okojie said the new postings in INEC was part of INEC’s strategic plan to ensure a smooth conduct of the next general elections.

Mr Okojie also disclosed that the electoral agency would provide a level playing field for all participants and stakeholders, and appealed to all stakeholders to play the game in accordance with the rules and regulations.

He lauded the Rivers State Government on the conduct of the Local Government elections in 2008, pointing out that the last council elections in Rivers State met the approved standard used in civilized nations in the world.