PDP Uncovers Plot By Amaechi To Buy Off PVCs From Voters

The Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has uncovered plans by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to rig the forthcoming elections in the state, as prospective voters are being persuaded to sell their PVCs to agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the State Chairman on Media, Jerry Needam said the APC scouts are moving from house to house, persuading people to trade their PVCs for amounts ranging from N10, 000 to N20, 000 per PVC.

According to the PDP, APC agents in villages in the State, are also collecting PVCs' serial numbers and exchanging same for money.

Governor Amaechi had on Monday directed the newly appointed Chairmen of Caretaker Committees for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State not to embark on any development project. He directed them to use allocations due the Local Government Councils to purchase permanent voters cards of registered voters.

The party condemned the action, saying it is not only despicable but smacks of a serious violation of the fundamental rights of citizens to exercise their franchise..

While calling on Rivers people to reject the APC and their monetary inducements, the PDP accused the Governor of taking advantage of the impoverishment meted to the people of the State following his eight years of misrule to exploit them.

The party however said it was not surprised at the actions of the Governor who, having emptied the State's treasury on frivolous campaigns for the APC and having nothing to offer Rivers people, have resorted to all manner of antics to rig the elections.

The PDP reaffirmed its pledge to build a State that would be home to all, irrespective of place of origin, calling on Governor Amaechi to desist from politics of deceit and inducement and tell Rivers people what the APC can offer.

The PDP calls on Rivers people to report to the police, APC agents who approach them with money to buy their PVCs or collect their PVCs' serial numbers

Signed.
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser on Media to
State PDP Chairman.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015