Fear that the army may be working against some political parties in the governorship and state assembly elections in Rivers State were highlighted Saturday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) complained that the military was preventing its accredited agents from accessing the collation centres.
Army personnel took over the collation centres in Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Eleme, Opobo-Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas, among others, denying access to PDP INEC-accredited Agents.
A chieftain of the PDP in Okrika, who would not wish to be named for fear of victimisation, told THISDAY that there were fears that the situation in Okrika might snowball into major crisis if nothing was done.
He said, “Unfortunately the army has taken over the LGA collation centre and are refusing any collation! The situation here is very explosive! I fear what may happen in the next hour or two. The people are determined to resist! Tempers on all sides are seriously frayed! I fear the loss of lives!”
Also, media aide to state Chairman of the PDP, Jerry Needam, said soldiers forcefully invaded the Khana Local Government Council lodge and held all those inside hostage.