Ebun Francis
Following the publication of a leaked Audio Tape where the incumbent Governor of Rivers state, Mr Nyesom Wike threatened to kill officials INEC involved in the recent rerun of election in Rivers State if they fail to do his bidding, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has constituted a panel of detectives to investigate crisis that trailed the general conduct of the election.
One of the major terms of reference for the panel will be a forensic examination of the said audio clip containing threats allegedly made by the Governor, where he was quoted to have said ” They should return what they gave them or I will kill them.”
In a statement on Saturday by police spokesperson, Don Awunah, said ” the IG has set up a team of detectives and experts to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents mentioned by the INEC chairman with a view to unravelling those who directly or indirectly are responsible for such incidences and bring them to justice”.
“The investigative team is also mandated to conduct forensic analysis on the audio report released by Sahara Reporters purportedly to be the voice of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike (CON) pertaining to the concluded elections.
The Inspector General of Police, according to the statement, appealed to the government of Rivers State, INEC , election observers, civil society groups and other stakeholders to avail the investigative team with facts at their disposal and grant them the desired cooperation to enable arrive at conclusive investigation.
“The election observers, civil society groups, Human Rights watchers and other stakeholders are equally called upon to assist the team with valuable information they may have,” the statement said.
The investigative team is headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police.