INEC releases interim report as collation begins

In a statement issued on Saturday, December 10, the Commission said the election was relatively peaceful and recorded massive turn out of voters.

The statement reads:

"Following the release of the timetable for the conclusion of the National and State Assembly re-run elections in Rivers state on 3rd November 2016, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proceeded to conduct the elections in the state as scheduled today, Saturday, 10th December 2016.

"The elections were generally peaceful and the turn-out was impressive except in Akuku-Toru, Gokana, Khana, Andoni and Tai Local Government Areas. There were alleged reports of dynamite explosions in Akuku-Toru; INEC officials were attacked in Khana; electoral materials were snatched in Andoni; and our staff were prevented from conducting the elections in Tai State Constituency.

"In a few other areas where hoodlums threatened the conduct of the exercise, the security agencies intervened and ensured that the elections were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

"In the meantime, actual voting has ended in most Polling Units (PUs). We urge the good people of Rivers state to continue to cooperate with the Commission so that ultimately, we would have results that are acceptable to the Stakeholders."