Bayelsa Supplementary poll: INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa on Thursday said it had commenced distribution of sensitive election materials for Saturday’s supplementary poll in the state. The Commission’s Public Affairs Officer in Bayelsa, Mr Timidi Wariowei, made this known in Yenagoa.

Wariowei said the Commission received the sensitive materials on Wednesday and distribution had commenced in Ekeremor Local Government Area on Thursday. He added that “all the materials are now in our custody; the materials include ballot papers and result sheets.
“On the distribution process, we intend to dispatch that of Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area early morning of Saturday.

“You know that the real focus is the Southern-Ijaw and we do not want what happened on Dec. 5, 2015 to repeat itself in that area. “INEC is prepared to conduct free, fair and credible election for the betterment of the people. “We have over 100 polling units in the state to conduct the election and Southern-Ijaw; so, we are ready to conduct credible and acceptable election.’’ On the use of ad hoc staff, Wariowei said the Commission resolved to use some of them that participated in the Dec. 5 gubernatorial election in the state.

He, however, added that some of the ad hoc staff had been changed, specially for the Southern-Ijaw, stressing that efforts were made to ensure that the election was conducted freely. He said “INEC is on top of the game. On security, we have been working with security agencies because without them, we cannot conduct the election. “We have been collaborating with the Police and Army to ensure peaceful election in Bayelsa.’’