INEC Begins Distribution Of Sensitive Materials In Bayelsa For Saturday’s Election

“We have started the distribution of sensitive election materials for Saturday’s House of Assembly election in Bayelsa state,” the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has said.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC of the commission in the state, Monday Udoh made the disclosure on Thursday in Yenagoa while addressing journalists on the commission’s readiness to conduct credible and acceptable election on March 9, 2019.

Udoh said that the distribution of the sensitive election materials to the various local government areas commenced on Thursday and would be completed before the end of Friday.

He warned against engaging in any violent act before, during and after the poll.

“The commission has made all necessary arrangements to ensure maximum security of lives and property across the state.

“We had several meetings with various critical stakeholders in the state; we must understand that INEC is not here for the interest of any group or persons but for the interest of Nigerians,’’ he said.

On the missing card reader machines, the REC said it has recovered additional two, bringing the total number recovered to 22, recalling that 69 machines were stolen.

Recall that Bayelsa state has been enmeshed in alleged killings and hijacking of electoral materials in areas such as Bassambiri, Oluasiri, Opu Nembe, Agbere, Oweikorogha, Apoi, Azuzuama and Korokorosei as well as taking hostage of officer’s hostage in a hotel at Bassambiri, describing the acts as terrorism in the presidential and national assembly elections of February 23, with both the major political parties of PDP and APC accusing each other for the crime.

The governorship election would hold in Bayelsa later in the year.