Shooting continued all night in Asari-Toru LGA, especially in Buguma town. The Rivers State government accused a minister from the area of sending out armed youths to attack known political opponents (APC).
By this morning (election day proper), INEC office was burnt down in the LGA and seven buses conveying materials burnt. Some persons have reportedly been beheaded in Asari-Toru LGA on the eve of the elections.
A commissioner’s home (Women Affairs) was attacked by bombing, whereabouts of the commissioner, Joeba West, unknown so far.
Three persons were shot to death on the eve of the elections in Ogba/Egbama/Ndoni LGA area of the state by armed thugs, the same LGA where a local chief with his entire family was wiped out by unknown killers in Omoku, the oil town. Omoku is the hometown of the Rivers PDP boss and also hometown of the APC governorship running mate.
Signs of some party chieftains still working with the police showed in PH where some chieftains of one major political party in two jeeps escorted INEC materials with the police to polling units.
In flashpoint Obio/Akpor, hometown of PDP candidate, former minister, Nyesom Wike, fighting began at Ozuoba area of the town where the APC blocked INEC vehicles from leaving the collation centre alleging diversion of sensitive materials and results already written by the rival PDP.
The APC had demanded for removal of the INEC REC, a woman said to be President Jonathan’s kinswoman. In Opobo town, materials were delayed in coming, with allegations of violence, and burning of INEC office reported.
Elele: PDP complained that vehicles carrying materials were blocked by the APC on account of fears that sensitive materials had been diverted. Fighting broke out as a result.
Government here reported that Gov Amaechi’s phone had been cloned and used to send directives to people not to come out for voting.
Elelenwo area: Voters not out by 9am, probably due to experience of last time when they waited till 11.30am before INEC officials showed up, only to say card readers did not work.
Etche: Delay due to dispute between APC and INEC over voting materials.
