Police Ban Protests In Imo As Okorocha's Supporters Seek Removal Of REC

POLICE authorities in Imo State have banned further street protests in
the state. They have directed that aggrieved politicians in the
elections should proceed to electoral tribunals to express their
grievances.

The order is coming on the heels of several protests by supporters of
the governorship standardbearers of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Chief Rochas Okorocha, that of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP), Chief Emeka Ihedioha, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance
(APGA), Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho, among others, since Monday after the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the results
inconclusive.

Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commission (REC), in the state, Dr.
Gabriel Ada, has disclosed that the commission has begun compiling the
names of the commission's officials accused of one electoral fraud or
the other during the polls.

Ada, who stated while speaking with The Guardian on Thursday, noted
that the fingered officials would be prosecuted by the commission in
the state.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),
Mr. Andrew Enwerem, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), the
command noted with disgust the threat the protest posed to the
citizens and residents of the state, urging the aggrieved politicians
to approach the appropriate places of protest to obtain justice.

The police reminded the candidates, politicians and their supporters
of the peace accord they entered into, adding that it was still in
force.

In another development, the Commander General of Rochas Okorocha
Campaign Organization, Iheukwumere Alaribe, has called on INEC
Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, demanding the removal of the State REC,
Dr. Gabriel Ada accusing him of bias. This came few hours after he
announced the re- run of Imo governorship and House of Assembly polls,
scheduled for April 25.

Addressing journalists in Owerri on Thursday, Iheukwumere, who is the
Commissioner for Housing, accompanied by the Commissioner for Lands
and Survey, Chief Uche Nwosu; and the Seniour Special Assistant,
Media, to the governor, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, expressed lack of
confidence in the REC to conduct the April 25 re- run in the state.
--Naija247news