HEAVY SECURITY AS INEC DISTRIBUTES SENSITIVE MATERIALS IN EBONYI

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ebonyi State has distributed batches of ballot papers and result sheets for Presidential and National Assembly Elections for onward delivery to INEC offices at the various local government headquarters in the State.

The distribution of the sensitive material took place at the premises of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Abakaliki branch and was monitored by the journalists, party agents, independent monitors and heads of security agencies led by the Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr. Olayele Faleye.

Speaking to journalists, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in charge of the State, Mrs. Onyeka Ugochi, explained that Electoral Officers (EOs) would further take the materials down to Registration Area Centres (RAC) ahead of Saturday’s elections when they would be moved to polling units.

Earlier, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) incharge of South East, Mr. John Amadi, told journalists that the Nigeria Police in collaboration with sister agencies had put measures in place to ensure maximum protection of both the sensitive materials and voters.

Mr. Amadi explained that security agencies were on the trail of criminal elements threatening the smooth conduct of the poll, emphasising that election must hold in the state without any breach.

Radio Nigeria observed that heavily armed police operatives and soldiers were sighted at CBN premises waiting to escort the materials down to the Council Headquarters.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU