…Says Commission has no candidate in polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has said that the planned nationwide strike by Organised Labour will not affect today’s governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States.
The Commission’s Head of the Department of Voter Education and Publicity, Imo State, Emanuella Ben-Opara, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Owerri, the State capital, on the level of preparations for the Saturday’s election in the State.
According to her, the Commission got assurance from the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW), before now, as the body is not part of the labour union. She noted that vehicles hired from the NURTW are on-site to facilitate the transportation of personnel and materials to all polling units.
The Imo State head of the Department of Voter Education and Publicity further disclosed that all Registration Area Centres have been activated for the onward deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive materials yesterday night.
While revealing that security agencies have identified all potential flash spots, Ben-Opara appealed to residents not to entertain any fear. According to her, the security agencies have promised to provide a conducive environment throughout the entire process.
Ahead of today’s election, the INEC had warned its staff against being partisan, saying the Commission is not a political party. In a statement issued on Thursday, the electoral boss pledged to ensure a level playing field for all parties and candidates in the elections.
He also promised the readiness of the staff of the Commission, saying, “We are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival”.
