2019: CSO expresses dismay over INEC’s logistical lapses


Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room  has expressed disappointment the impact of INEC’s logistical lapses on the elections across the country.


The Executive Director Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre and Convener Clement Nwankwo while addressing news on Saturday said parts of the country report late opening of polls and malfunction of card reader machines.


He said the average across other parts of the country was about 45 percent as at 10 am. 


“The late arrival of materials and ad-hoc staff account for much of the delay in polls opening across the country. In some places, voting started around 11 am. 


“The delay in the commencement of vote will certainly affect the collation process, which is now feared to extend well into the night, with attendant security risks and further logistics concerns.


“The Situation Room notes with concern the rising incidences of violence and reported deaths in some states of the country. 
“At the time of this statement, Situation Room has received reports of about 16 deaths across eight states: Borno – 2, Bayelsa – 2, Rivers – 6, Yobe – 2, Kogi -2, Ebonyi – 2,  Lagos – 1, and Zamfara – 1.


“In Lagos State, there are reports of disruption of voting by suspected political thugs who have shot in the air in some places and set ballot boxes and paper on fire in others.


“In the Okota, Isolo and Oshodi suburbs of Lagos, there are reports of violence, some caused by non-arrival of INEC officials and materials. 


“Situation Room calls on INEC and the security agencies respond swiftly to these issues and arrest culprits as promised by the Inspector General of Police,”he said.  


According to him, Situation Room received reports of incidents of vote buying across Lagos, Niger, Edo, Kwara, Kano and Katsina States. 


“The Situation Room calls on INEC and security agencies to nip this practise in the bud before it undermines the sanctity of the vote. 


“Nigerians have defied various challenges to exercise their civic responsibility, we call on INEC to do everything to ensure that voters are not disenfranchised and to quickly address outstanding logistical challenge.


“ The Situation Room calls on voters to continue to be law abiding and to report through appropriate channels, challenges with the process,” he said. 

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