Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has alerted the Vice Chancellor
of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Ndowa Lale of a list induced
by the All Progressives Congress, APC, with the aim of rigging the rerun
legislative elections through the imposition of politically
compromised returning officers.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday when he
received the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Professor
Ndowa Lale and his management team, Governor Wike revealed that one Dr
Otu Ekpeyong and an APC Chieftain, Dr Dawari George; the APC House of
Representatives candidate for Akuku-Toru/Asari Toru Federal Constituency
connived to draw up a list of returning officers from the institution
with the aim of rigging the rerun polls.
Governor Wike stated that the Rivers State Government has already
officially notified INEC of the fraudulent plot through a letter
addressed to the INEC National Chairman.
The governor said that the people of Rivers State are vigilant,
noting that that nobody will be allowed to subvert the democratic
process.
He noted that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt may
have signed the illegal APC induced list without knowing that it was
masterminded by fraudulent APC chieftains.
He warned that lecturers who allow themselves to be used by the APC
chieftains will face the wrath of Rivers People.
“The Vice Chancellor signed without knowing that the list of returning
officers was hijacked by the APC through Dr Otu Ekpeyong who was guided by
Dr Dawari George, the APC candidate for Akuku-Toru/Asari Toru Federal
Constituency.
“I am saying this publicly because we want the world to know the
desperation of the APC. The fraudulent list of returning officers for
the rerun elections has been intercepted and we have officially
written to the National Chairman of INEC “, he said.
He reiterated his declaration that those who participate in election
manipulation will be treated as political armed robbers. He said
fraudulent returning officers will not be allowed to get away with
their illegal plot.
He assured the university that the Rivers State Government will support
them in executing critical projects that will enhance academic success.
Governor Wike said he will visit the University of Port Harcourt to
ascertain areas that require the support of the state government.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor
Ndowa Lale congratulated Governor Wike on his victory at the Supreme
Court.
He said that the University will continue to partner with the Rivers
State Government to advance learning. He solicited the support of the
governor in the completion of projects in the law faculty, Social
Sciences Faculty and the Faculty of Humanities.