Prior to Saturday’s elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State started distributing sensitive electoral documents to the state’s various local government areas on Wednesday.
Representatives from the parties, security personnel, journalists, and INEC officials were present as the distribution took place on the grounds of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Osogbo Branch.
There was a drama before the distribution started, though when Department of State Service agents stationed at the bank’s entrance forbade journalists and other observers from entering the area where the distribution was to take place.
The security guards asserted that they had received orders not to permit anyone in the CBN Osogbo branch management.
But Dr Mutiu Agboke, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, asked that journalists and party representatives be permitted entry.
After allowing journalists access to the location to observe the distribution, Agboke declared that the commission was prepared for the election.
The Central Bank of Nigeria typically has custody of our sensitive materials, including ballots and result sheets, he said. For the election, we are prepared. We’re here to begin gathering our items into batches for later distribution to various local government districts.
“The ballots and result sheets for the presidential, senate, and house of representatives elections are what you have observed on the ground. We’ll group them together and distribute them to various local administrations.
On the security of the materials and offices, the INEC boss said, “All these are indications that the Commission is ready. The commission is in touch with our security agents. The synergy is there. All our local government offices are well secured.”
