Youths in Rumuokwrusi have decried the intervention of the Nigerian police force in the Youths Association election in the community.
In a statement issued by Mr. Osaruchi Wosu, the Eleco Chairman of Rumuokwrusi Youth Association, the youths declared as illegal, the usurping of the Electoral body’s power to conduct the election by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Zaki.
They regretted the fact that an election that was deemed free and fair by observers would in turn, become heavily politicized by different political actors in the state.
They also called on the general public to prevail on the police commissioner to stop his intervention into the activities of the Eleco.
The statement read:
“Sometimes in December 2017, the Election Committee Members (ELECO), were appointed by Chief Edison Amadi,the former President of Rumuokwrusi Youths Association (RYA), in accordance with their Constitution.
About the morning hours, on 11th February 2018, Election into the various offices of RYA commenced as scheduled.
Mid way into accreditation, Mr. Joseph Ogunlade, DPO Elimgbu Police Division informed us, that CP Zaki has directed that election should stop for security reasons, and that he received a call that some people were disqualified to contest by the ELECO. As a result,
all the Aspirants together with the ELECO were directed to interface with CP Zaki on Monday, 12th February 2018. And we all complied.
Upon the meeting with the CP, the ELECO presented to him, with proofs – documents, the Youths Constitution and even the Judgement of a High Court, which supports and clearly disqualified Aspirants with less than 60% attendance, from vying nor contest the election.
Completely convinced that the ELECO were in order, CP Zaki yielded to good reasons, subscribed in writing that the election should continue, and openly pronounced that all disqualified persons stands disqualified.
On 15th February 2018, the Election was concluded as Henry Amadi emerged and was declared winner, by ELECO chairman as the new President of RYA.
All the media were fully on ground, and reported as the ELECO delivered what was described as the best and most credible, free and fair election in Rumuokwurusi Town.
Two days later, CP Zaki turned 360 degrees, recounted his early position and began to usurp the powers of the ELECO, as he went on air to announce that there was no election. In fact he directed Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, Police spokes person to issue the statements.
CP Zaki, it was learnt, is now acting up the scripts of some politicians of Dakuku Peterside APC leaning, who has vowed to cause crisis in the leadership of Rumuokwurusi Youths.
They’ve boasted that Dakuku called CP Zaki to issue the counter announcement,
And threatened to activate his redeployment through Rotimi Amaechi, if he fails to issue the announcement.
Hence, CP Zaki succumbed to pressures by Politicians
It’s quite unfortunate that the police would, yet again allow themselves to be boxed around by politicians.
But it’s most disheartening that CP Zaki would allow himself to be used as an instrument to destabilize, the peacefully concluded Youths election in Rumuokwurusi Town.
CP Zaki is not a Member of the ELECO, and can never be. Hence, he lacks the powers to issue results or announcements,
Different from what the ELECO has declared.
We call on every Rivers people, Nigerians and all persons of good will to prevail on CP Zaki to stop this unwholesome, and unlawful interference into the completed functions of the ELECO. For the police can not, declare election results anywhere in the world .
We equally call on the Governor of Rivers State, to immediately intervene and call CP Zaki to order, to stop this overzealous action of trying to please his APC friends, at all cost, whom he clearly now owns his allegiance to – against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Rumuokwurusi people.
The police should remain neutral, unbiased and nonpartisan. And should not be seen as interested party, nor as having vested interests to protect, such as in this concluded Youths election.
Once again, we call on all the Companies and Organizations operating in Rumuokwurusi Town to relate with Comerade Henry Amadi as the President and new Leader of Rumuokwurusi Youths Association”
Signed:
MR OSARUCHI WOSU
The ELECO Chairman, Rumuokwurusi Youths
Association”
