Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has called for a further amendment of the Electoral Act to allow only votes captured by card readers to count during elections.
The governor made the recommendation, weekend, in Port Harcourt at the 60th birthday celebration of Senator George Sekibo.
According to the governor, only such amendment would guarantee a watertight electoral process against rigging and manipulations, adding that if the card reader did not determine votes cast in elections, politicians could manipulate the exercise.
He said: “The National Assembly should take the amendment of the Electoral Act a step further by ensuring that only votes that emanate from the Card Reader count.
“Other than that, the electoral umpire may manipulate the system to favour the ruling party. We know what they are capable of doing and this should be addressed.”
Wike lauded the National Assembly for the amendment on the Electoral Act, adding that the lawmakers should take his recommendation into consideration.
Governor Wike hailed Senator Sekibo, who represents Rivers East senatorial district, on his 60th birthday, described him as a dependable politician.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, who was also at the event, commended the celebrant for clocking 60, adding that Sekibo has rich knowledge of legislative operations.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who chaired the event, described Senator Sekibo as one of the serious minds in the National Assembly.
Senator Sekibo used the occasion to formerly unveil six books he wrote, assuring that he will continue to champion the common good of his state at the National Assembly.
