Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and chieftains of People Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday vowed to mobilise against any plan to rig the Rivers rerun scheduled for December 10.
They said they will not have confidence in the rerun until those arrested with fake result sheets were investigated honestly and the culprits prosecuted.
Speaking in a function at the weekend, Wike alleged that he has uncovered a plot by the police command under the supervision of the Assistant Inspector of Police (AIG) Zone 6, Abubakar Marafa to kill the evidence emanated from the arrest of the suspects.
He said he had no confidence with the AIG handling such a serious matter, alleging ”there is conspiracy among those who want the AIG zone 6 to handle the matter.”
Governor Wike said: “The way things are going regarding the prosecution of the suspects, it has become clear to us that the rerun election scheduled to hold on December 10 may likely be manipulated.
“We are calling on the Police authority and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adhere to the advice of President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to conduct a free and fair election in Ondo and Rivers State. Rivers people are ready to resist any attempt to manipulate.”
Rivers South-East PDP chairman, Chief Monday Ngbo, said the party’s supporters were on alert to mobilise against manipulation of the rerun.
Ngbo, who spoke at the official handing over of keys to the newly built schools constructed by Wike’s administration in Ogoni, said anybody planning to rig the election will have him or herself to blame.
He said: “For me I don’t think anybody is trying to rig the rerun, but if there is anyone thinking to manipulate the will of the people then that person is playing with fire.
“In Ogoni, we are ready for the rerun and we believe that INEC is going to do the right thing.”
Another PDP chieftain, Mr. Samuel Nwanosike, who is the caretaker committee chairman of Ikwerre Local government area, said any attempt to rig Rivers rerun will led to strong resistance.
He said Rivers State is a PDP state, making it impossible for anyone rig election.
He alleged the manipulation that happened in Edo state cannot work in Rivers State.
Responding, the Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 6, Barry Nwibani, said the AIG zone 6 is not aware of the transfer of the matter to him.
He pleaded to be briefed on the issue when details of the matter are available to him.