Following reported cases of non functionality of materials and presentation of fake result sheets at polling units leading to disruption in the conduct of yesterday general elections, Senator Magnus Abe representing Rivers South-East in the National Assembly has joined in the call on INEC to cancel the elections in Rivers State.

Abe’s position is sequel to reports of faulty card reading machine, hijack of sensitive materials by hoodlums, non availability of original results sheets, intimidation, harassment of the electorates and killings in some areas.

The Senator, who stated this in an interview with newsmen after receiving several situation reports from across the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, said most of the electoral officers were discovered to be card carrying members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) working with security agencies to rig elections.

The member, Senate Committee on INEC expressed shock at the massive fraud which marred the exercise that was expected to witness an improvement in the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

“I am convinced that if the elections have held in Rivers State as designed by INEC, Nigerians would have witnessed a transparent process, functional equipment and neutrality of security agencies”, he declared.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) commended the people of the State especially the Rivers South-East Senatorial District for rising to prevent the conduct of the elections without breaking electoral laws.

Senator Abe urged Nigerians and the international community to ignore any purported election results from Rivers State that may be posted by undemocratic elements, because “there was no election in Rivers State; Rivers South-East in particular and such disposition will further deepen the mockery of our democracy.”

While urging the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega to immediately announce the cancellation of elections in Rivers State with a view to rescheduling, he enlisted APC faithful in the senatorial district to remain law abiding and prepare for rescheduled elections when INEC eventually take a decision on Rivers State.

Meanwhile, Abe’s Spokesperson, Honour Sirawoo, says the Senator was attacked by policemen who were facilitating the thump printing of ballot papers by PDP members at the Divisional Police Headquarters Kpor, headquarters of Gokana LGA.

“Also attacked were Comrade Kadilo Kabari, Gokana Local Government Area Caretaker Committee Chairman and some aides of the Senator,” Sirawoo said.

“The policemen who threatened to shoot the Senator and his aides, pushed the Senator and hit the Council Chairman leading to his falling on the ground,” he added.

•Photo shows Senator Abe

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