The Rivers State Government has dismissed a report circulating via SMS purporting the cancellation of elections in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A Government House statement said: “The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, hereby reaffirms his position that the elections must hold as scheduled and that all eligible voters in the state should go out and exercise their rights to elect the next Governor and members of the State House of Assembly.

“Rivers people are further reassured of the Government commitment to ensuring their safe and security at the elections.”

In an earlier press statement, the State Government had expressed displeasure over news of harassment, intimidations and improper conduct by law enforcement agents in connection with today’s polls. The statement personally signed by Governor Amaechi particularly mentioned the Divisional Police Officer, Kayode Joseph, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, DCP John O. Amadi.

Amaechi said in the statement: “The Rivers State Government wishes to warn all security personnel in the state that Government will not spare any persons found engaging in unwholesome and unprofessional conduct.

“It wishes to remind all security personnel that the main objective of government is to secure lives and properties and it will not relinquish that right. It also calls on all citizens and residents to take appropriate note and document any security personnel behaving improperly and who is compromised and forward same to the Rivers State Government.

“All such personnel will face the full weight of the law; and for those who may escape prosecution now, definitely when the new government takes over on May 29, 2015. Security Agents are advised to conduct themselves in a proper manner as the law is no respecter of persons.”

•Photo shows Governor Amaechi.

Update news