Aftershock of rivers bloody rerun elections

The reverberations of the State and National Assemblies re-run elections in Rivers State, the tension and apprehension that shrouded the minds of the people seems to be waning.

Normalcy was gradually returning to the state and people returning to their work place and businesses after the long holidays declared by the State Governor Nyesom Wike to pave way for the elections and the self-enforced by many out of fears for their lives.

However, The Guardian observed that the Construction giant, Julius Berger which has been in the state for about six months now carrying out major construction works were advised by the state government to leave the state for security purpose.

When The Guardian visited most of the parks, streets and major eateries around Port Harcourt Metropolis on Monday, people were sighted in groups discussing about the elections.

Some said, they thought there would not be Rivers State again after the election while some expressed joy that the level of violence anticipated did not occur in spite of recorded killings in some Local Governments Areas of the State.

Mr. Aluu Tailor who served as a collation officer at Ward 17 in Deegema Constituency said: “ In my area, Degema Local Government Area of the State, where I served as a collation officer, it was peaceful, we thought heads will roll but we thank God normalcy has returned in the State.

Also speaking, Kingsley Michael said: “Actually, I thought that Rivers State would not exist again after the election, but we thank God that the election has come and gone and most of us are alive. This government has worked in favour of Rivers people so we are happy with the outcome of the election, business has kicked up again”.

Mr. Emmanuel Friday Akpan said, “In all things we should give thanks to God.  We are happy for the outcome of the election; the people have spoken. The people should be peaceful henceforth; they should know that, nothing is more important than their lives.

Actually, I thought that Rivers State would not exist again after the election, but we thank God that the election has come and gone and most of us are alive. This government has worked in favour of Rivers people so we are happy with the outcome of the election, business has kicked up again”.

Also, Nwekeala, Cosmos Weke said,  “Election has come and gone, there is no cause for alarm, Rivers is majorly APC and PDP, even during the election, though there were records of violence but we are happy that finally people have returned back to the state, election is not a do or die affair, there should be mutual understanding. We cannot continue to be killing ourselves. Now is the time to come together and build a greater Rivers State.  The State governor is the father of the land, all the political parties are under him, and he should embrace everyone with peace.

On his part, Kenneth Umesi said: “PDP has shown the people the green light, before now, there was potholes all over but now most of the roads are smooth and you can drive and see where you can park, it is important so we are happy with the outcome of the elections where PDP is taking the lead, so APC should join force with PDP and build Rivers.

The federal and State government tried in minimising the level of violence in the state, and we thank God that they both tried to. We thought it would have ended all in blood but I hope that the relative peace we have now would be sustained, as it will go along way to enhance unity and boost the economy of the state.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Calabar, Baba Bolanta says that massive deployment of police officers drastically assisted in dousing the palpable fear associated with the re-run election, adding that pockets of security breaches were recorded.

Bolanta appealed for continued and sustained support and corporation of members of the public to enable the Police discharge its constitutional mandate of protection of lives and property.