Bayelsa, Kogi Gov Elections: INEC Delivers Non-sensitive Materials
- Nigerians deserve and should always have free, fair and credible elections.
- Deadline for arrival of non-sensitive materials is September 30th.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has delivered all non-sensitive materials for the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.
The Commission’s Chairman revealed this, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu in Lagos during the Anniversary Colloquium marking the Press Week of the Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) themed: ‘Ensuring Credible Off-season Elections in Nigeria.’ organised to mark the second anniversary of the incumbent executive of the state NUJ.
READ: INEC Gives Status Report on Kogi, Bayelsa Governorship Elections
The INEC boss who represented by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, said all the sensitive materials would be delivered a month before the election in November.
He added that the commission had made available for collection all uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), pointing out September 30 was the deadline for the exercise.
Speaking on some concerns of possible violence being raised about the forthcoming Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections, given the violence that led to the declaration of inconclusive elections in the two states in 2015, he said politicians in both states must shed the toga of political violence associated with elections in the two states.
”The commission will continue to work with security agencies under the auspices of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to provide adequate security for all our elections,” he added.
While pointing that Nigerians deserve and should always have free, fair and credible elections, Yakubu said the electoral body owes the nation and Nigerians a duty to ensure that votes count.
“The present commission has demonstrated this commitment in all the elections it has conducted, in spite of multiple challenges.
“Ultimately, the commission’s ability to organise credible elections also depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders in the electoral process and the strict adherence to the rules of the game.
“The commission will continue to ensure that votes count,” he noted.
READ: Bayelsa Governorship: Why We Disqualified Ex-INEC REC from Primary Election – APC
Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who was represented by Mr. Tijani Ismail, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, said there were widely-held views that Nigeria was gradually moving towards an era where the media will exert greater influence on the electoral process.
He, therefore, commended the media for enlightening the citizens on elections. He also noted that due to media efforts, many citizens are now educated about the electoral process.
