Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has attributed the widespread voter apathy towards the governorship and state House of Assembly elections in the state to the outcome of the presidential and National Assembly elections.
Governor Wike, made the comment, shortly after casting his vote in Ward 9, Unit 7, Rumueprikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking to journalists, Wike said when people did not get what they expected in the presidential election, they got discouraged.
The Rivers governor, however, said the turnout of voters is still in order, adding that people cannot be forced to cast their votes.
“Well, when the first elections come and go, and people don’t get what they want, obviously they are discouraged. The number is still ok. You can’t force people to go and vote,” Wike said.
He commended the security agencies for ensuring a peaceful election atmosphere in the area.
“I’m happy with the peaceful nature of the election. It means that the security agencies are doing what they are supposed to do,” he said.
Speaking on the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Wike commended the electoral body, noting that there is an improvement in its performance.
“From what I have seen, and I have not heard any complaints, I can say they’ve done very well. So, it’s just a question of percentage. They have improved more than what we had on the 25th of February,” Wike added.
