The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Yakubu Mohammad, has launched a probe into the roles of the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Baritoh Kpagih, and other officials of the commission in the electoral crises that led to the non-conclusion of the December 5 Governorship poll in the state.
The INEC, as part of its investigation, has ordered the Collation Officers and Returning officers in the existing eight local government areas, particularly those involved in the disputed rescheduled governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state to submit their reports to the commission within 24 hours.
INEC plans to investigate cases of compromise and alleged acceptance of gratification from some political parties to frustrate the smooth conduct of the election.
It was also gathered that the directive may not be unconnected with the petition submitted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the commission, alleging bias, bribery and corruption against some officials of the state office of INEC and the illegality of the cancellation of the poll in the Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state.
The flag bearer of the APC,Chief Timipre Sylva, had while reacting to the announcement by the INEC on the cancellation of the election in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state, alleged that the processes leading the cancellation of the contentious poll in Southern Ijaw was marred with financial inducements and manipulations by officials of INEC by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Meanwhile, the commission has said it is consulting over a new date for the Bayelsa governorship election in the Southern Ijaw local council, which it had declared as inconclusive.
INEC is yet to fix a date for the supplementary election in the council.
INEC’s director, Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said the commission was still consulting over the matter.
