The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been mentioned in an alleged plot by individuals to manipulate the forthcoming elections in Rivers State.
The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a statement through its Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, said that the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Princewill Chike, was part of the alleged plot.
Enyi claimed that Chike is a member of the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political movement associated with the FCT Minister.
According to the ADC spokesman, there are concerns that the UNIPORT Vice Chancellor may have a role in selecting returning officers for the forthcoming election.
Enyi alleged that Chike had openly identified with the coalition and claimed that the vice-chancellor was recommended by Wike for the UNIPORT position.
He further alleged that Chike was “imposed” on the university by the former Rivers State governor.
Enyi said the alleged connection between the vice chancellor and the coalition could be seen at the entrance of the university.
“In order to show the public that he is truly Wike’s product, at the entrance of the university, what you will see is the signpost of the VC with the caption, ‘Academia Rainbow Coalition of the Renewed Hope,’ with his picture on it,” he alleged.
The ADC spokesman further alleged that members of the Rainbow Coalition could be nominated as INEC returning officers for the election, Naija News reports.
“Those he will nominate as INEC returning officers for the election must be members of the coalition,” Enyi claimed.
He questioned the alleged activities of the vice chancellor ahead of the election, arguing that the process had not yet commenced but concerns were already being raised.
“It’s not even election time yet, but see what he is doing. During the election, all those who will be recommended are definitely going to come from the coalition,” he said.
Enyi challenged Professor Chike to demonstrate that the allegations against him were unfounded when the time came for the appointment of returning officers.
“Professor Chike, only God knows what you have come to do in Port Harcourt. Let us see those you will recommend. Let us see whether they will rig the election,” he added.
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