The Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, Tuesday disclosed that three of the Electoral Officers will be sanctioned for irregular conduct in the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.
The step was taken as part of measures to ensure the sanctity of the electoral process, Mr. Igini said at a meeting with representatives of political parties, security agencies and civil society in Benin City.
An Electoral Officer heads INEC operations in a local government area.
In Edo State, like other South-South States, there were strong allegations that INEC officials colluded with some political parties to rig the March 28 elections.
Mr. Igini also assured the parties that the commission has made arrangements to ensure a hitch-free election in Saturday’s State House of Assembly elections and in some local government areas of the state where March election in the Edo South senatorial district were inconclusive.
He said the inconclusive election for the Senate will be concluded in Orhiomwon local government area, parts of Ovia South West/ Ovia North East, Oredo and 6 wards in Uhumwonde Councils.
He appealed to all parties to have confidence in INEC in respect of the election, noting that the commission was particularly concerned about the process.
“As an umpire saddled with the responsibility, the rule of the game must be observed fully, fairly and impartially under our watch as we have done elsewhere. It is only the will of the people that matters. We have made few changes of officers whose character fell below expectation because trust is very paramount,” Mr. Igini said.
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