NSA Plans to Shutdown Internet Service to Aid Rigging, Wike Alleges

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has raised the alarm that
the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government through
the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has directed the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work with
internet service providers to shutdown internet access during the
forthcoming elections.

Wike said shutting down internet access by the NSA and INEC is
aimed at facilitating the rigging of the 2019 general
elections.

He spoke yesterday during a courtesy visit by Savannah Centre
Council on Peaceful and Violence Free Election in Nigeria at the
Government House, Port Harcourt.

He said: “The National Security Adviser has met with INEC to
ensure that internet service providers shut down the internet, so
that foreign bodies won’t see what’s happening in the country
during the elections.

“They will jam all the frequencies and internet services to stop
real time communication during t,he elections.

“This plot to rig the forthcoming elections is a recipe for
violence. They will not succeed in whatever they are planning. The
world will be informed about their criminal activities.”

The governor said the negative actions of the President
Muhammadu Buhari’s administration indicate that they would not
accept defeat when they lose the forthcoming elections.

He advised Buhari to emulate former President Goodluck Jonathan
who placed Nigeria above personal consideration.

“I don’t think this administration will willingly accept defeat.
They should emulate Former President Goodluck Jonathan who lost
elections and accepted the outcome.

“There was no litigation. He went back home and did not generate
crisis, “ he said.

The governor said Rivers people would not fold their hands and
allow the APC Federal Government unleash violence and rig the 2019
elections.

He regretted that the APC Federal Government has caged the
Judiciary, making it difficult to determine electoral disputes in
court.

He argued that the conduct of credible elections rest squarely
with security agencies and INEC, adding that once the two agencies
act within the law, the polls would be credible.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Founder of Savannah
Centre Council on Peaceful and Violence Free Election in Nigeria,
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, called on all stakeholders to work towards
peaceful and credible polls.

He said the group is involved in extensive research and
consultation to promote peace. He noted that peace and development
are intertwined, hence they must be encouraged.

Gambari urged the governor to use his national contacts to
enhance the culture of peace.

Former Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict
Resolution (IPCR), Prof Oshita Oshita, urged the governor to
continue to work in the interest of peaceful polls.