The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos on Thursday took delivery of sensitive materials for Saturday’s by-election in Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
As reported by a News Agency of Nigeria correspondent who was at INEC Office in Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government, the materials got to the commission office a few minutes after 5 p.m.
The materials, brought from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), were offloaded in the presence of the representatives of participating political parties.
Speaking to newsmen, Mr Clement Oha, the Administrative Secretary of the commission in the state said that all the sensitive materials had been received.
“I can confirm to you that we have got all the sensitive materials needed for this election from the CBN, escorted by security men.
“These materials are already customised along different Registration Areas. They are being separated by INEC officers in the presence of party agents,’’ he said.
In a related development, Mr Fatai Owoseni, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command on Thursday said that no fewer of 8000 security personnel would be deployed for Saturday’s Ifako/Ijaiye Federal House of Representatives bye-election.
Owoseni gave assurance of adequate security for voters at a Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Ifako/Ijaiye, Lagos.
According to him, the personnel will include police, military personnel and officers of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He said that three policemen would man each of the 335 Polling Units and 687 voting points.
“We want to ensure we secure the process as much as possible. You may know the beginning of violence, but no one knows the end of it. Please, don’t engage in violence.
“We have met and we are still meeting as security agents. We want to assure that we will do all what is necessary to give all parties a level playing ground with regards to security.
“Our main concern is to secure the process; help us to tell your supporters that it is voting they are asked to come and do, not violence and killing.
“We are all related, we should think of this before engaging in violence. Elected offices are not gotten by violence; let us allow all to exercise their suffrage.
“We advise you to do politics without violence and rancor; we should suppress whatever violence tendency,” he said.
Owoseni urged hoodlums to steer clear, warning that anyone caught would be dealt with decisively.
