Wike assures violent-free election at Rivers State in 2015

 

Former Minister of State for Education and Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has assured that the 2015 general elections will be devoid of violence.

Wike gave the assurance during a meeting with some United States envoy and the US Consul to Nigeria, Jeffery Howkins. He said rumour about impending violence, rigging and intimidation were false, adding that the PDP-led government had convinced the public that it could hold a credible election.

Wike further emphasised that the Federal government was committed to securing the lives of electorates in the coming elections. “Before our primaries, people said there will be crisis. But while we were doing the primaries, it was shown live on television. And it was the most acclaimed, calm and peaceful election conducted within time. No crisis whatsoever.

“If you read through the pages of newspapers prior to that primary, you will say there will be bloodshed.

“This is the first time we have a government that has refused to intimidate or harass the opposition. An example is Edo State where after the election, the Governor of Edo state went to thank Mr. President for keeping to his promise of one man, one vote.

“Ask yourself how many sitting President in Africa that would have done that”, Wike said. Responding, the US Consul to Nigeria, Jeffrey Hawkins disclosed that the meeting with Wike was to seek affirmation that the PDP leadership in Rivers State was open to a balanced contest with other parties, especially the APC.

Hawkins said he would also reach out to other main actors in the politics of Rivers State because of the priority of the state. “We are here for a couple of different things and purposes but most importantly is to feel how the state is doing in terms of elections.

“My Ambassador, myself and others have always emphasised peaceful elections and frankly Rivers State is one of the states where we are aware there may be problems and that’s not what we want. “We are closing on candidates like yourself and other actresses to ensure that the elections are peaceful and transparent”, he noted.

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