They attributed the unrest to the involvement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s supporters and non-state actors.
Legit.bg reports that the violence, which included arson attacks, occurred amidst allegations of election irregularities and a disregard for court rulings.
In its preliminary report, the Independent Election Monitoring Group (IEMG) criticized the conduct of the elections, noting widespread irregularities such as the non-use of electoral registers, lack of election materials, and questionable declaration of results, The Nation reported.
At a press briefing, IEMG’s Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, highlighted that Governor Fubara’s decision to push forward with the elections despite legal challenges and security warnings was a desperate attempt to consolidate political power.
Agabi stated:
While the report cleared the Nigerian Police of any misconduct, noting that law enforcement officers withdrew from the process following a Federal High Court ruling, it pointed a finger at Governor Fubara’s supporters for instigating violence.
The report claims the governor’s loyalists engaged in acts of arson and intimidation to maintain political control.
The report states:
The IEMG urged the federal government to launch a full investigation into the violence, recommending that the results of the local government elections be nullified.
The group also called for federal security forces to be deployed to prevent further escalation and suggested dialogue between Governor Fubara and opposition parties to restore peace.
The group said:
In another development TimesNow.com.ng reported that Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has taken decisive legal steps in response to the Appeal Court’s judgement in Abuja on Thursday, October 10.
The Governor instructed his legal team to file an appeal and a stay of execution, following the court’s dismissal of his appeal concerning the defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
