The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed not vow not to declare results thst fell short of expectations in the March 19 National and State Assembly rerun election in Rivers State.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, who disclosed this yesterday in Port Harcourt, while presenting Certificate of Return to 11 members-elect of the Rivers State House of Assembly, said nobody can coerce the commission into going against its mandate.
Ikoiwak stated that INEC which is saddled with the responsibility of conducting elections, is always ready to carry out its mandate transparently.
He urged politicians to see themselves as bridge builders, adding that INEC would analyse both the negative and the positive before taking decisions on matters affecting elections.
The REC appealed to them that it was not enough to receive certificate of return but to see the situation as an opportunity to better the lives of their constituents.
He called on them to improve their constituencies through the introduction of people oriented legislations in the Assembly, and urged politicians to endeavour in making the environment conducive for subsequent elections.
Ikoiwak lamented that the March 19, 2016 rerun election that was characterised by violence, were not the type that was expected by Rivers people.
He stated that nobody should expect results where elections did not take place, noting that nobody was interested in sitting on anybody’s results, saying, “You cannot expect results where elections did not take place.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed a resolution authorizing the state Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, to obtain a Ten Billion Naira (N10,000,000,000.00) loan from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).
The approval, which was made through voice vote by the lawmakers present at the sitting was sequel to a letter of request from the governor to the House through the speaker.
According to the letter dated April 5, 2016, the loan when obtained will be used to fund some development projects in the state.
“You are aware of the huge infrastructure development challenge and our efforts to address the situation. Since we came on board, we have not only remobilized all contractors handling major road sites, but have also awarded new contracts for the construction and reconstruction of new roads and other projects.
The letter reads in part: “We have also advertised for tenders for the Bori-Saakpenwa road, the Obiri Ikwerre-Airport bypass, while the contracts for the comprehensive rehabilitation of eleven secondary schools and some of the dilapidated general hospitals are also due for award. However, our major constraints is inadequate resources, which is worsened by shrinking returns from the Federation Account.
“On the Strength of the above, it is my desire to obtain a Ten Billion Naira (N10,000,000,000.00) loan facility from the Excess Crude Account to continue funding our numerous development projects. The loan, which attracts a single interest of nine percent and 20 years repayment period, is quite favourable to the reality of the state’s economy.”
In their various contributions, lawmakers supported the loan saying it will facilitate the govenor’s drive to develop the state.
Speaking, Hon Opurum Iruanya representing Etche I, submitted that the road projects embarked by the governor has yielded positive results and called on the House to approve the loan.
Also, Hon Deeya Barine representing Khana I, argued that “I’m gladdened that the Bori-Saakpenwa road is one of the projects that this loan is meant for and I know it would open the gateway to Ogoniland. I also support the loan because all the projects highlighted there; rehabilitation of schools and rehabilitation of general hospitals are worth the value for the loan.
Commenting, the Speaker, Rt Hon Dabotoru Dima, said the loan was worth it, considering the percentage interest rate and the projects for which it will be used for.
Eight lawmakers including the Speaker were present at the sitting.The House later adjourned sine die.
