DELTA BYE ELECTION: USE OF SOLDIERS WAS JUSTIFIED - STATE PDP CHAIRMMAN The People Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday justified the use of soldiers in Last Saturdays Delta Central Senatorial Bye-Election, saying that the Army was drafted to avert a repeat of the Kokori mayhem a fortnight ago. A restive mob had attacked the campaign train of the PDP Senatorial Candidate, Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, when they visited the Palace of the Ovie of Kokori, Ugolor 1, setting some vehicles in the convoy ablaze and some chieftains severely injured. Addressing journalists at the State PDP Secretariat, the State PDP Chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi said government and the PDP could not fold their hands and allow what happened at Kokori to re-occur during the election, as it was a clear pointer that the security situation in the District was inflamed. It was obvious that the security situation before the election was highly volatile and wie cannot take chances. So the soldiers have come in to douse the tension. If the soldiers had not been present, you can imagine what would have happened. If adequate security had not been provided they (opposition) would have also complain. So it was proactive measure, even when it was not desirable, the State PDP Chairman explained. I have read and seen press statements and comments from some of the parties and candidates...especially that of Otega Emerhor...that the environment was militarised with road blocks where voters were intimidated to stay at home. Let me examine the imperical validation of this unfounded allgation by using the Results from his Ward. Chief Otega Emerhor is from Ward 3 (Evwreni), in Ughelli North Local Government Area. The total registered voters in that Ward is 6, 349. APC, hid Party scored 6, 033, PDP scored 158 and DPP 75, totalling 6,266 votes cast. This represents about 98% of the registered voters. Does this Show that voters were intimidated to stay at home? Does this justify Emerhors claim?, he queried. Barr. Nwaoboshi said the Law is clear on election matters as nobody can annul an election once concluded, except the Courts and therefore told the opponents to seek redress in the Tribunals.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 08:14:51 +0000
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