By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has given the newly introduced technological devices, Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) a pass mark.
Yakubu who spoke at the Election
Media Briefing at National Collation Center at International Conference Center, Abuja this afternoon, said that preliminary reports across the country showed that BVAS machines deployed by the Commission for the purpose of the 2023 general election have performed optimally, pointing out that no report of malfunctioning has been brought to the knowledge of the Commission by INEC Field Officers across Nigeria.
However, the INEC Chairman bemoaned the late opening of polls in some places across the country, attacks on the Commission’s Electoral Officers and stealing of BVAS machines in the process, after bandits and thugs attacked Commission’s Electoral Officers especially in Shiroro in Niger, Oshimili and Safana Local Government Areas of Delta and Buachi states.
Said he: “Good afternoon gentlemen of the press, I am honoured to update the nation through you on the ongoing election. So far so good and generally speaking, I will say that BVAS is functioning optimally.
“Based on the reports we have received nationwide and FCT, it indicates there were late commencement of the polls at some places due to logistics reason. We thought we have overcome this but there are minor hitches which we are working hard to improve”.
Yakubu therefore assured that everyone on queue no matter how long it takes today should be able to cast his or her vote, pointing out that the Commission is working to rectify some of the challenges is transportation of men and materials for the smooth conduct of the elections.
Meanwhile, the INEC boss has disclosed that bandits attack prevented INEC staff from deploying to Harawa in Shiroro LGA of Niger state just as he said thugs attacked and stole three BVAS from INEC officials.
According to him, thugs also attacked INEC officials in Safana LGA of Bauchi state and cart away six BVAS machine, although three have been recovered by the security agencies and election going on in these places.
On the situation in Abia and Imo states in the troubled South East, where election is said to be delayed, Yakubu revealed that the Nigerian Police and other security agencies have provided shield for Election to go ahead today.
Said he: “I am aware of the situation in Abia state, where election has been delayed and I want to assure that voters will still exercise their rights. Also, I am aware of the situation in four LGAs in Imo state namely Orlu, Okigwe, Orsu and Oguta LGAs. I assure voters in these areas that they will vote in this Election”.
