Delta rerun::building completely burnt down

Commission’s (INEC’s) building in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State was Tuesday razed by unidentified persons.

The building on No 1 Michael Okotie Street, Ughelli, was completely burnt down.

It was alleged that the incident may be connected with the rejection of tomorrow’s election by some groups over INEC’s insistence to use the old voters register

A resident, Austin Omogu, who was at the scene, said lives were no longer secured.

He called on INEC to provide a secure distribution of election materials and collation centres for the rerun.

Another resident, Peter Ogba, who also visited the scene, said some political agents were out to frustrate INEC.

 “I feel so bad that I cannot vote for the candidate of my choice if INEC refuses to conduct the election in the area due to this development,” he said.

The Ughelli Divisional Police Officer, Chris Sogbara, declined comments. 

A group, Delta Democratic Militia Tuesday claimed responsibility for the incident.

In a text message sent to The Nation and signed by Lt Tamuno Labutua, the group said its freedom fighting strike squad carried out the attack.

Labutua said the attack is the first in a series of strikes that would take place across the state.

According to Labutua, “this strike is a very serious warning to INEC, security agencies and all parties that election rigging of any kind shall no longer be tolerated in Delta State. The soul that riggeth shall die.

 “We wish to make it clear that only a free, fair and credible election will be acceptable by Deltans. Only a governor who emerges by popular votes will govern Delta”.

The group threatened to kill the family of INEC officials and security agents.

 He said: “Any attempt by INEC and security agents to rig Delta elections shall mean steady killings of their wives and children, no matter where they are until justice is achieved for the common people of Delta.”

It urged Deltans to defend their votes and make Delta great.

INEC‘s spokesman Levi Uniugwe said the rerun will hold tomorrow despite the threats.