The Nigeria Police Command has set up a team of detectives and experts to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents that marred peaceful conduct of the re-run election in Rivers State.
According to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, (NPM, mni) the command’s decision to set up the team followed the statement credited to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmud, to the effect that there were seventy incidents that tended to derail the December 10, 2016 re-run elections in Rivers State. This, he said, was with a view to unravelling those who directly or indirectly were responsible for such incidents and bring them to justice.
“The investigative team is also mandated to conduct forensic analysis on the audio report released by Sahara Reporters purportedly to be the voice of the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike (CON) pertaining to the concluded elections,” the IGP added.
He called on the government of Rivers State, the INEC, election observers, civil society and Human Rights groups to avail the investigative team with facts at their disposal to achieve a comprehensive and conclusive investigation, adding that “the Nigeria Police Force is committed to enthroning the principles of democratic policing and ensure that the IGPs master plan on election security takes hold in Nigeria in accordance with international best practices and core value of policing with integrity.”
A release signed by the Force Public Relation Officer, DCP Don N. Awunah fsi, said the investigative team headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police has 30 days to complete the investigation and submit its report, promising that the outcome of the findings would be made public.
