Groups blame violence in Rivers on compromised security agencies

Civil society organisations (CSOs) and religious leaders have blamed the recurring political violence in Rivers State on compromised police and judicial system.

They also identified imposition of candidates by political parties as one of the likely triggers of politically induced violence in the state.

The Initiative for Credible Elections (ICE) led by Ledum Mitee and leaders of churches and ministers, stated this in Port Harcourt during a special intercessory event for violence-free elections in the state.

Mitee, a former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), lamented that Rivers State had been plunged into political crisis for a long time due to the crude politics and elections.

He explained that while some politicians are known for their penchant for recruiting thugs to snatch electoral materials and disrupt the electoral process, Rivers State seems to be the only state were thugs are armed to maim and kill during elections.

Also, convener of the intercessory event, Pastor Chidiebere Elkanah, noted that the imposition of candidates, which he described as undemocratic, will likely lead to violence in Rivers and other parts of the country.

Elkanah said the Church was worried about the violence that disrupted the bye-election that was suspended last month.