Security beefed up at Edo INEC office

There was heavy security presence at the Edo State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as sensitive materials were distributed to the 18 local government areas in the state.

Agents of political parties were seen hanging around INEC office to monitor movement of the sensitive materials.

An APC member who pleaded anonymity said they want to ensure that the sensitive materials are no hijacked or diverted.

As at press time, the materials were still being sorted out and distributed to various local government headquarters under heavy security escort.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini, said the commission was ready for Saturday’s election.

He said steps taken by the commission were to overcome challenges of late arrival of materials.

According to him, “We have received the sensitive materials and these materials will be at the local government today. By Friday, the Supervising Presiding Officer will proceed to Registration Area Centre. This time, it is the polling officers that will be waiting for voters.

“You will see that the ballot papers and result sheets are customized according to local government unlike previous years where you can take one ballot paper from one local government to another. All of them are coded.”

Igini stated that 1,247,191 PVCs have been distributed and expressed optimism that the figure might increased after Thursdday’s distribution.

Meanwhile, a total of 11,040 security personnel would be deployed for Saturday’s election by the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Police Force.

Comptroller of Immigration in the state, Alana Olusegun, said the command would deploy 240 personnel across the 18 local governments to detect and stop aliens from voting.

Alana said no foreigner has been arrested with PVC in the state apparently because they were forewarned to stay way from the electoral process.

Public Relation of NSCDC in the state, Ogbebor Efosa, said 3000 NSCDC officials including armed squad would be deployed for the elections.

He said armed squad of the command would not be at the polling unit but would patrol to prevent break down of law and order.

Edo Police spokesman, DSP Joseph Edogiawerie, warned politicians against engaging thugs during the election.

He said 7800 police personnel would be deployed