Victor EzejaAhead of the Saturday polls the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State on Wednesday began the distribution of sensitive election materials to various local government areas in the state.
The distribution was done at the premises of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Osogbo Branch, and was witnessed by the representatives of the parties, security agents, journalists and INEC officials.
Before distribution began, operatives of the Department of State Service at the entrance to the bank had reportedly barred representatives of the parties, journalists, and other people that were to observe the distribution from entering the premises.
The security agents claimed they were acting on instructions from the management of the CBN Osogbo branch.
However, the state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, insisted that journalists and party representatives should be allowed into the premises to observe the distribution of materials.
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Addressing Journalists, when they had been allowed into the premises, Dr Agboke said the commission was ready for the election, disclosing that the materials are being distributed in batches to the 30 local government areas in the state.
“Our sensitive materials, particularly, ballot papers, and result sheets are usually in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria. We are ready for the election. We are here to start batching of our materials for onward transmission to these local government areas.
“What you have seen on the ground are the ballot papers, result sheets for the presidential, senatorial, and House of Representatives elections. We will arrange and batch them to various local governments.”
Speaking on the security of the materials and INEC offices, Agboke said the Commission is in touch with security agencies, adding that all their offices in LGAs are well secured.
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Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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