Wike declares Thursday, Friday public holidays

dimeji akinloye

March 16, 2016 9:20 PM

He urged the people to cast their ballots for candidates that would stand for their rights and promote their collective interests in the National Assembly.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Rivers state Governor,

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct elections for 22 of the 32 state House of Assembly seats, 12 of the 13 House of Representatives seats and the three Senatorial Districts on March 19.

The governor, who made the announcement in a state-wide broadcast on Wednesday, March 16, in Port Harcourt, said the work-free days will enable workers in the public and private sectors participate in the elections.

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"Consequently, all public and private offices, including banks must remain closed for the duration of the holidays,” he said.

"You will also be electing worthy representatives to the State House of Assembly to join me to deliver our developmental agenda and help chart the future of our state through effective legislation and oversight,” he said.

Wike said that the state government has requested the armed forces to increase security surveillance in nine local government areas identified as flash points of cultism and banditry.

He said that the LGAs are: Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, Ahoada-West, Emohua, Ikwerre, Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.

He said that the security agencies had assured that they would not deviate from their role of safeguarding law and order before, during and after the elections.

dimeji akinloye