By Sampson Boroh
Ten suspected electoral offenders have been arraigned over their alleged involvement in electoral malpractice in the August 10, 2109, Local Government election in Bayelsa State.
The suspects were arraigned by the State Police Command in collaboration with a Non-Governmental Organisation, Patriotism Advancement and Community Orientation Network (PACON).
Among the suspects are; Preye Tosi, Emmomotimi Yeri, Oyinkumo Odoni, Ebiakpo Tobi, Selekeowei Odoni, Andrew Bam, Peter Koripamo Benamieyeseigha, Arupado Gedegu, Bobby Opokuma, Angala Oyindeinyefa and Temple Driver.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Alleged Corruption: Buhari Removes Oyo-Ita As Head Of Service, Replaces Her With Yemi-Esan
They were accused of hijacking of electoral materials in the just concluded local government area and councillorship election in the state.
PACON in a statement on Wednesday in Yenagoa confirmed that the prosecution of the suspects is being done in conjunction with the State Police Command.
The Convener of PACON, Mr. Aluzu Ebikebuna Augustine, said the arraignment of the suspects was one of the ways to discourage Nigerians from involving themselves electoral malpractice.
Aluzu, while warning against corrupt practices during the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa and Kogi states respectively, said the group would go after anyone suspected found wanting during the poll.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Tribunal To Deliver Judgement On Ogboru Petition Against Okowa Friday
The statement said, “We are currently prosecuting some suspects through the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa state over reports of hijacking of electoral materials in the just concluded August 10, 2019 local government area and councillorship election.
“We wish to commend the various parties for the peaceful conduct of their primary election in Bayelsa and Kogi state. As we look set to go into the polls November 16, we urge all parties to maintain same.
“The organization will not tolerate any act of electoral malfeasance in the forthcoming election. As advocates of patriotism and community development, we shall work with relevant authorities in ensuring that those who attempt to hijack the collective will of the people are prosecuted.”
Also speaking to journalists, the Bayelsa State chairman of Liberation Movement, Aniso Abraham Esq., says his party is in the November 16 governorship election to win, urging the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to put in place measures to frustrate malpractice.
“We are in this election to win. Our party is calling on INEC to ensure that it makes adequate preparations that will make rigging very unattractive”, he added.
