By Onozure Dania

Chairman, National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, South-South Zone, Pudiya Biakpara, has said “the attempted political coup in the Rivers State governorship election against the collective will of the people of the state must not be allowed to stand.”

Biakpara in Warri, Delta State, said the situation had heightened tension in the oil-rich Rivers State which is key to the nation’s economy.

He said the militarisation of the election was undemocratic and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians, including the international community, adding “this undemocratic actions has clearly shown the desperation of All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership to grab power by all means even without a candidate in the race.

“The indefinite suspension of the collation of results of the governorship election is capable of setting the state on fire, which should be avoided as power is not taken by force.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should do the needful and save its face from shame and distrust, which had characterised the electoral process.

“Fear has gripped residents of Rivers State as the state has been taken over by fierce-looking soldiers and anti-riot policemen. Militants are already threatening fire and brimstone over the much-awaited results.

“The people have the right to elect their representatives and Rivers State is clearly a PDP state. The people have spoken loudly to return all the PDP governors in the zone.”