Following the disclosure by INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, that 70 different incidents that occurred would have scuttled the conduct of the Rivers re-run election, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has set up a special panel to investigate the allegation.
Also, the investigation team comprising crack detectives, is to conduct an independent forensic analysis of the alleged audio recording of Governor Nyesom Wike, released by Sahara Reporters, where he purportedly issued threats to deal with INEC officials who fail to support his party’s election plans.
INEC boss, Mahmood Yakubu
A statement giving details, signed by Force Public Relations Officer, DSP Don Awunah, said,
The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, in response to the statement credited to the INEC chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, to the effect that there were seventy incidents that tended to derail the 10th December, 2016 re-run elections in Rivers State, has set up a team of detectives and experts to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents mentioned by the INEC chairman.
The investigation is with a view to unravelling those who directly or indirectly are responsible for such incidences and bring them to justice.
The investigative team is also mandated to conduct forensic analysis on the audio report released by Sahara Reporters purported to be the voice of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Chief(Barr.) Nyesom Wike (CON), pertaining to the concluded elections.
The Government of Rivers State and INEC are enjoined to avail the investigative team with facts at their disposal and grant them the desired cooperation and assistance to achieve a comprehensive and conclusive investigation.
election observers, civil society groups, Human Rights watchers and other stakeholders are equally called upon to assist the team with valuable information they may have.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to enthroning the principles of democratic policing and ensure that the IGPs master plan on election security takes hold in Nigeria in accordance with international best practices and core value of Policing with integrity.
The statement added that “The investigative team is headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police who has vast experience in investigation. “The team has 30 days to complete the investigation and submit report.
The findings will be made public.”
