SITUATION REPORT ON BEYELSA ELECTION

The ongoing Bayelsa governorship election rerun is being threatened once more by violence, incidents of ballot snatching, despite assurances by security agencies and appeals by several stakeholders for peace.

The supplementary election is taking place in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and 102 polling units across six other local government areas of the state.

Ahead of the poll, in the early hours of Thursday, there was a bomb attack on the house of the Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Konbowei Benson, in Korokorosie, Southern Ijaw LGA.

Although voting commenced peacefully in several polling units, as of midday, there had been several reported incidents of violence with electoral materials yet to arrive at some polling units.

Our correspondent reported that there was difficulty in conveying electoral materials from Amatoru Community School to polling units because of heavy shooting in the area.

He also reported that there was sporadic shooting in Amatolo, a riverine community in Southern Ijaw LGA, a development that prevented INEC officials from getting materials to the area.

In Agoibiri, two people were reportedly hit by stray bullets while angry youths destroyed electoral materials at some units.

Around 9:30am the Situation Room, a coalition of civil society groups, reported that voting was disrupted by violence in Otuokpoti Ward, Ogbia.

The Peoples Democratic Party also accused thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress of disrupting election in three polling units – 6,7 and 10 – in Biseni.

The supplementary election had become necessary following the cancellation of the election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state as a result of widespread violence.

The violence had prevented voting from taking place in the LGA along with others on December 5 and a rescheduled poll held in council the next day was cancelled on December 7 due to irregularities and violence.

More than a month later, the same problems are threatening the conclusion of the poll which has also been characterised by a war of words between the main contenders – incumbent Governor, Seriake Dickson, of the Peoples Democratic Party and former governor, Timipre Sylva, of the All Progressives Congress.

Election observers had accused the parties and candidates of encouraging violence in the December 5 poll.
Nembe collation centre
No of registered voters 4294
Accredited voters 2649
Votes scored APC 1400, PDP 1160
Total valid votes 2574
Rejected votes 31
Total votes cast 2605

Ekeremor supplementary poll

Collation officer, Dr. Perekibina Beriweni
Total registered votes 9157
Accredited votes 3018
Votes scored APC 257, PDP 2695
Total valid votes 2968
Rejected votes 42
Total votes cast 3010

Ogbia supplementary result collation officer, Dr Anakwe
No of Registered voters 4344
No of accredited voters 1551
Votes scored APC 139, PDP 1290
Total valid votes 1449
Rejected votes 47
Total vote cast 1496

Sagbama supplementary result
No of Registered voters 2005
No of accredited voters 326
Votes scored APC 111, PDP 180
Total valid votes 303
Rejected votes 21
Total votes cast 324

Brass supplementary result
No of Registered voters 2255
No of accredited voters 1703
Votes scored APC 1679, PDP 05
Total valid votes 1696
Rejected votes 7
Total votes cast 1703

Yenagoaa: Collation officer, Dr. Perekeme Bertola, lecturer Niger Delta University
7 registered areas with 18 polling units
No of registered voters 9560
Accredited Voters 1480
No of votes scored APC 448
PDP 839
Total valid votes 1309
Rejected votes 54
Total vote cast 1363

www.punchng.com/bayelsa-rerun-violence-ballot-snatching-threaten-poll-again/