The rerun legislative elections in Rivers State on the 19th of March could run into trouble waters, following threats by some ad hoc personnel to pull out from the exercise due to security concerns.The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had shortlisted some lecturers of the University of Port Harcourt to serve as Returning Officers but the wave of violent attacks and killings across Rivers State have forced many of them to reconsider the offer.During a meeting with the select members of staff of UNIPORT yesterday, our correspondent gathered that the Vice Chancellor, Professor NDOWA LALE had told the shortlisted INEC ad hoc personnel that the university authorities would monitor their conduct during the elections.A source close to the university told our correspondent that Professor LALE also gave the lecturers the option to withdraw from the INEC job if they did not feel comfortable, stressing that it was not compulsory for them to take part in the election.The Vice Chancellor defended the integrity of the lecturers whose names are contained in the list, stressing it would not be withdrawn since INEC had not complained about the composition of the Returning Officers.However; one of the respondents said the affected members of staff of UNIPORT used the occasion to voice their concern over the fragile security situation in the state.Our source said some of the lecturers demanded a guarantee for their personal security as a condition to be part of the elections on 19th of March, while others signified their intention to opt out completely.The development may not be unconnected with a recent meeting between the Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT and Governor NYESOM WIKE at the Rivers State Government House.During that meeting; Governor WIKE drew the attention of the Professor NDOWA LALE to alleged doctoring of the list of lecturers compiled by INEC as prospective returning officers.Governor WIKE alleged that a lecturer at the university had connived with a Rivers APC chieftain to compromise the list of INEC returning officers.He warned that any lecturer who got involved in rigging of the elections should be prepared to be treated like criminals by Rivers people.
