By Abdullahi Isah, Maiduguri
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Alhaji Mohammed Magaji has said that in line with the INEC Headquarters directives on immediate retrieval of sensitive and non sensitive election materials earlier released to Electoral Officers, that these materials had been retrieved and returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for safekeeping
Addressing Newsmen at the Borno state INEC headquarters, Maiduguri on Tuesday, Alhaji Ibrahim said all 5,071 Smart Card Readers had also been retrieved from the 27 local government areas and reconfigured, awaiting distribution for next Saturday, 23rd February 2019 rescheduled elections.
He said that, all the 27 LGAs EOs have responded accordingly and deposited the election materials in their possession with the CBN and INEC State Headquarters respectively.
He further said that all the uncollected PVCs have also been directed to be deposited with the CBN for safekeeping until after the elections
On the allegations of connivance with the Borno state government to rig the election through the relocation of IDPs, the REC said that before the relocation/identification of the place for voting centres all stakeholders including parties’ representatives were part of the decision, stressing that his doors are always open for all stakeholders, as he does not have a preferred party or candidate.
He further explained that re-training programme has been organised for the ad hoc staff to refresh their knowledge on the conduct of elections and materials were supposed to be delivered before Thursday or Friday this week.
On security arrangements, the REC said there has been high level collaboration with the Nigerian Military in respect of escort of Elections materials and ad hoc staff from Maiduguri to all the places of elections like Gamboru Ngala, Bama, Monguno, Gwoza and Banki among others
Ibrahim maintained that arrangements and operations have been successful and reached 98% and called on the general public to come out enmass and vote the candidates of their choice .
