David Lawani, Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakuku has expressed worry over spate of attacks by bandits and thugs most especially loyal to candidates of the political parties saying that it is quite unfortunate but that it is happy for recording non postponement of election for the first time since 2011.
Yakubu gave this worry during his briefing at the venue of the National Collation Centre, in International Conference Centre Abuja noting that part of the contributory factors that the Commission has witnessed in the course of the election has been perennial problem of logistics and insecurity.
According to him: ” Based on the reports we have gotten across the country and the FCT. Some challenges we have identified. One of it is the inability of the Commission to open the polling units at the appointed time of 8:30am. Some of the Polling Units open late. Any Nigerian on the queue will vote no matter how long ut take. Until 2: 30pm”.
He explained that some of the reasons why the Commission could not open the polling units at the scheduled time include: ” The perennial problem of logistics inspite of our best efforts.
” I think in 2023, we have conquered the challebge of getting materials to various locations though there were complaints here and there. But generally speaking we have delivered 100 million of ballot papers that were supposed to be delivered for the election.
” But another contributory factor of timely delivery of election materials was the perennial problem of insecurity in the country.
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” For instatnce, we could not deploy early enough to Kalawa in Shiroro localgovernmentcouncil in, Niger state. Bandits launched an attack not necessary INEC officials but in the area. But with the advise from the security agents, we tarry awhile.
” Similarly, in Oshimili local government council in Delta state, thugs attacked BVAS machines and 2 were lost in the process. But we have been able to replace the BVAS machines and reinforces security. And they have continued in that location.
” Also, in Safana local government council in Kastina state, thugs attacked voting location, and snatched 6 BVAS machines. Yet we are able to recover 3 of the machines and reinforces security for voting to continue in the areas. But happily, the security agents have been able to recover three of the BVAS machines”, he stated.
