Card reader problems over, says Gombe REC

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission in charge of Gombe state, Kassim Geidam, has stated that the commission has overcome most of the challenges faced in the use of card reader during the Presidential/ National assembly election that held two weeks ago.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES in Gombe on Friday, Mr. Geidam said “The card readers have been perfected now and many of the challenges faced before have been overcome”.

He also said although Gombe state did not experience any problem with the use of the device in the last election, the commission has given addition training on the use of the device to its staff.

Mr. Geidam also confirmed that the card reader would be used for tomorrow’s election.

“We did not have problem in Gombe state at all, our staff are familiar with it now and we are going to use it tomorrow throughout the state as we did last time,” he said.

Mr. Geidam also confirmed that the commission is fully ready for the governorship and state assembly election in the state.

“So far so good, we have reached 90 per cent preparation and arrangement for the election, already, all materials are in the nooks and crannies of the state, in all the local governments and ward level.

“The materials will stay the night at the registration area centres so that they will be closer to the polling units and by tomorrow the staff and the materials will all move to the polling units to wait for the voters to come by 8 o clock for the exercise to commence in earnest,” he said.

The Gombe REC also said the commission has gotten firm assurances of security from the security agencies in the state.

He added that the biggest challenge INEC faces in the conduct of the Presidential and National assembly election in Gombe was the attack by insurgents in some parts of the state.

He, however, said the security agencies have assured the commission that they are better prepared this time around to deal with any unforeseen circumstances.

PREMIUM TIMES observed that Gombe metropolis and its environs ​was calm.

Apart from the pockets of party supporters riding on motorcycles and branding posters of their preferred candidates along the major streets, ​residents​ appear​ed to be going about their normal businesses.

Also, security patrol teams ​were cited along the major roads, while activities at military checkpoints in all the major entrance to the state appeared heightened.

PREMIUM TIMES notice​d that every vehicle coming into Gombe along Lawanti after the Airport gate w​ere frisked.