The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, has described the ongoing State House of Assembly bye-elections in Ahoada East and Khana constituencies as peaceful and orderly, with no reports of violence.
Sinikiem made the remarks while speaking with journalists during his inspection tour of polling units in Wards 8 and 3 of Khana Constituency II. He noted that the conduct of voters and electoral officials had been commendable, adding that the smooth process was reassuring for the credibility of the election.
The bye-election is being conducted to fill vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada East and Khana constituencies.
Despite the calm atmosphere, the REC expressed concern over the level of voter turnout recorded in some polling areas. He, however, stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not be blamed for the low participation, noting that the commission carried out extensive preparations and public awareness ahead of the poll.
According to him, INEC, alongside civil society organisations, made deliberate efforts to mobilise voters across the affected areas.
“We took it upon ourselves to move from one local government area to another, appealing to traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and civil society groups to encourage people to come out and vote,” he said.
Sinikiem also reminded electoral officers to strictly adhere to the commission’s guidelines, particularly the directive that voting must be concluded by 2:30 p.m.
He monitored the exercise alongside INEC National Commissioner, Rhoda Gumus, and other senior officials of the commission.
Meanwhile, party agents representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Action Alliance (AA) also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, describing the process as transparent, peaceful, and well-organised.
Rivers Bye-Election: INEC REC Commends Peaceful Process, Raises Concern Over Voter Apathy
