The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended all electoral processes in Rivers State till further notice.
It based its action on widespread violence in the Governorship and House of Assembly election held on Saturday.
INEC said the action which was taken after a consideration of field reports was in line with Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and Clause 47 (e) of the Regulations and Guidelines of the Commission.
The decision was issued by INEC in a statement by the Director of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.
The statement reads in part: “These initial reports suggest that violence occurred in a substantial number of polling units and collation centers.
“Staff have been taken hostage and materials including result sheets have either been seized or destroyed by unauthorised persons.
“In addition, safety of our staff appears to be in jeopardy all over the state and the Commission is concerned about the credibility of the process.
“Consequently, at a meeting held on 10th March 2019, the Commission has decided to suspend all electoral processes in the State until further notice. This is in line with Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and Clause 47 (e) of the Regulations and Guidelines of the Commission.”
