N’Delta youths accuse politicians of being behind burning of INEC offices

Brave Dickson

Youth leaders in the Niger Delta region have accused politicians in the country of been behind the frequent burning of INEC offices during electioneering period.

The youths said this in reaction to the recent burning of INEC office in Ebonyi State by some yet to be identified persons.

According to the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, this is the third attack on local government INEC offices within the space of three weeks.

He added that the incident which occured around 10am left the main building and all the movable and immovable items inside it burnt.

The Rivers State representative at the Niger Delta Youth Parliament, Samson Abibo told our correspondent that politicians are using the burning of INEC offices to advance their political interest.

He therefore called on the youths to desist from being used by politicians to commit such crime.

He said: “Politicians can not be exonerated from the burning of INEC offices as the thugs who are carrying out such act have always been committing such crime for the interest of politicians.

“Despite the level of sensitizations which the youths have received, politicians will still want to keep them poor so they will continue to have influence over them.

“We urge the youths to stay away from politicians that would use them to cause crime all in the name of politics.”

Abibo also hinted that the Niger Delta Youth Parliament had taken it upon itself to ensure that all the communities across the Niger Delta region are well sensitized ahead of the 2023 general elections.