2023 Elections News
Chinyere Igwe: Rivers lawmaker nabbed with $500,000 in vote-buying claims
The arrest of Chinyere Igwe has been announced by the Rivers Police Command.
Another attempt at vote-buying in the upcoming polls have been scuttled by the security agencies after the arrest of Chinyere Igwe, a lawmaker representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had said that it will partner with INEC to arrest and prosecute persons involved in vote buying.
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The Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa said the commission will continue to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to curb vote buying, especially during the 2023 general elections.
“We are trying to ensure that illegitimate funds are not finding their way into our electoral processes.
“The cases of those arrested for vote buying in previous elections are ongoing in court” he added.
Rivers Police On Igwe’s Arrest
SP Grace Iringe Koko, the command’s public relations officer, said in a statement, on Friday, that the politician who is running for reelection was taken into custody with $498,100 in cash.
Also recovered, according to the police, was a list for distribution of the money.
She said the AIG in charge of election in the state, Abutu Yaro, has ordered swift interrogation and prosecution of the lawmaker.
The statement reads, “Police Officers from Rivers State Command deployed to INEC Headquarters Aba Road today 24/2/2023 at about 0245hrs, while on stop and search, arrested one Hon Chinyere Igwe, member House of Representatives representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency with a cash sum of 498,100 USD inside a bag in his car.
“Also recovered was a list for distribution of the money.
“The AIG Election, AIG Abutu Yaro fdc has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment in court.
“The Command urges all contestants and political parties to comply strictly with provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.”
