The Looming Crisis In Rivers

Days after the people of Rivers State went to the polls to elect a new president and members of the National Assembly, there has been no peace in the state.
Even on the day of the election, there were protests in some parts of the state where it was reported that certain people were manipulating the processes, against the wishes of the electorate.

VICTORY SPEECH BY DR ALEX EGBONA, RETURNING MEMBER-ELECT, ABI/YAKURR FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

According to media reports, the people have been agitated because the figures that are coming out from INEC as votes cast on Saturday, do not reflect what happened at the various polling units.
A few days ago, there were reports that some old women in Ogoni went to the streets to protest what they called the day-light robbery against them, aftr they had cast their votes for their preferred candidates.

VICTORY SPEECH BY DR ALEX EGBONA, RETURNING MEMBER-ELECT, ABI/YAKURR FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

Ironically, the state governor, Nyesom Wike that is widely believed to be fighting injustice has not spoken on the issue. He loud silence has been interpreted to mean an endorsement of what has now been described as a rape on democracy in the state.
While the people await the final outcome of the results from INEC, there are indications already that the state is merely sitting on a time bomb. There have been threats here and there, just as it is in many parts of the country where similar infractions have been alleged.

VICTORY SPEECH BY DR ALEX EGBONA, RETURNING MEMBER-ELECT, ABI/YAKURR FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

From previous experience, it is doubtful if violent reactions to election results have ever yielded any meaningful outcome. At the very best, it is the people and their property that do suffer.
At this point, we advise the populace to be calm even in the midst of provocation. Resorting to destructions, as it was in the days of the infamous EndSARS protests, will only leave the citizens poorer and unsettled.

We urge everyone to remain calm and avoid anything that may lead to bloodshed or loss of lives and property.
It is also our position, that law enforcement agents should be very vigilant to contain any uprising, but without hurting any of the citizens.

Three Guber Candidates Honour Rivers NUJ Governorship Debate

The state government should also be awake to its responsibility of protecting lives and property at this time. More importantly, we urge the electoral umpire, INEC, to remain impartial and loyal to the constitution of the country and avoid anything that is capable of taking the country backwards. Every vote should count and should be seen to count.

We do not need another crisis in the state, especially as the country prepares for another round of elections in the next few days.