The people of Peremabiri, a coastal settlement in Bayelsa
on Tuesday urged the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide alternative
voting venue as residents have fled the area.
Hundred of Peremabiri people led by their traditional
ruler submitted a petition to the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
Addressing officials of INEC at the Commision’s
headquarters in Yenagoa, Chief Progress Neverdie noted that some 3,000 adults
have fled Peremabiri to Yenagoa and neigbouring communities over threats to
their lives my militants.
He said that under the prevailing circumstances, it would
be impossible to conduct elections in the area as the place was not conducive
for political activities.
 |
Mr Lebai Samsi, Administrative
Secretary at INEC Bayelsa, MR MONDAY UDOH, RESIDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER INEC
BAYELSA AND MRS POLOMI Suanaimi, VICE CHAIRMAN OF SOUTHERN IJAW LOCAL
GOVERNMENT WHEN RESIDENTS OF PEREMABIRI WENT TO INEC TO PROTEST INSECURITY IN
THE AREA. 12/2/2019
“The reason we are here today is to bring to the
attention of INEC, the situation in Peremabiri, the community has been deserted
following insecurity created by an ex-militant leader from Peremabiri.
“People are not free the go about their normal businesses
and because of the violence they unleash on innocent people, the place is like
a ghost town, we do not want to be disenfranchised from Feb 16 and March 2
elections.
“That is why we are here with a written request that
alternative arrangements be made for my subjects to vote, I am conversant with
the provisions of the law to pave way for displace persons to vote.
“It is our hope that there is a window of opportunity for
INEC to act so that my community people can exercise their civic responsibilities
in the forth coming elections,” Neverdie said.
Also Mrs Polomi Suanaimi, Vice Chairman of Southern Ijaw
Local Government said that the council was making concerted efforts in the
welfare of over 2,000 of the displaced persons currently in makeshift shelters.
She noted that both the local government and traditional
institution resolved to wade into the crises so that the people can participate
in the electoral process.
Mr Lebai Samsi, Administrative Secretary at INEC Bayelsa
told members of the community who carried placards in a protest march to INEC
office that security was beyond the commission.
He therefore urged them to report the situation to the
police and other security agencies. adding that INEC relies on the law
enforcement agencies to do its job of conducting elections.
He reassured that INEC remained committed to the conduct
of a free and fair credible polls on Feb 16 and March 2, 2019
 |
RESIDENTS OF PEREMABIRI ON A
PROTEST MARCH AT INEC OVER INSECURITY IN THE AREA LIKELY TO DISRUPT SATURDAY’S
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AT SOUTHERN IJAW LGA, BAYELSA. 12/2/2019
No comments:
Post a Comment