YIAGA AFRICA Watching the Vote (WTV) has called on President Mohammadu Buhari to call the military to order at polling units across the country and ensure appropriate punishment for erring military officers.
It also condemns the role played by the millitary’s in disruption of elections and intimidation of voters and electoral officers in some states.
The Chair YIAGA AFRICA Watching The Vote (WTV) Dr Hussaini Abdu said this at the midday Situational press conference on Opening and Set-Up of Polling Units for the governorship and state assembly elections on Saturday.
According to him, “due to security reasons and lack of adequate security protection, INEC official declined to deploy sensitive materials to the Open space Imenyi polling unit 009, ward 11, Emuoha LGA, Rivers state.
“It is important to note that 4 persons were previously killed on March 8, 2019 in the ward which created a lot of tension.
“Reports on burning of election materials were received from Umughara Ward II affecting 13 polling units as well as Oriuzo Ward and Ekka Ward all in Ezza North LGAs in Ebonyi State.
“It was reported in Gidan Sarki PU 006 ward 09, Soba LGA in Kaduna state. Another report was received from Efere Town hall polling unit 002, ward 2 in Eleme LGA in Rivers State where hoodlums accompanied by military men hijacked ballot papers and result sheets.
“Group of thugs also snatched the ballot box and chased voters away in UBE Primary School polling unit 002, Magwai Ward in Jalingo LGA of Taraba state.
“ INEC officials and materials yet to be deployed in Abua – Odua LGA in Rivers state due to a clash between the APC and PDP party supporters and the military.
“This was also reported in Giadom guest house junction polling unit 010, ward 1, Khana LGA with some APC agents and military personnel disrupting deployment.
“Voter intimidation by PDP agents reported in Bakin Kasuwa Polling Unit 001/007/Gassol LGA in Taraba State.
“This was also reported from Giadom guest house junction polling unit 010, ward 1, Khana LGA by some APC agents,” he said.
