KOSIEC begins distribution of sensitive materials ahead of Saturday’s Council polls
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, (KOSIEC) has begin the sorting and distribution of sensitive materials ahead of Saturday October 19th 2024 Local Government election in the State.
It was gathered that observers, security personnel’s from the Nigeria Police force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, (NSCDC), Department of State Services, (DSS), including local vigilant were on ground to monitor the exercise.
The electoral body started the sorting and distribution of sensitive materials as early as 8am on Friday.
In a chat with journalists, the State Chairman of KOSIEC Mamman Eri promised to conduct a transparent, free and credible election in the State.
Eri pointed out that all the local government electoral officers are already on ground to move the materials to various local government areas and various wards after collection from the SIEC office.
He seek the collaboration of all relevant stakeholders to ensure an hitch free exercise.
According to him, their will be restriction of movement on Saturday as accreditation and voting will commence by 9 am and end by 3pm.
He also assured that security men will be on ground at various polling stations to make sure that everything went without problem.
An accredited observer, who doubles as the Chairperson, Kogi NGO Network (KONGONET) Amb Idris Ozovehe Muraina said electorates are looking forward for a transparent process.
“We are looking forward to see election that will reflect the will of the people and not otherwise. Am calling on the Chairman of the Commission to be up and doing and ensure that the right things are done, because his integrity is at stake. The chairman and his team should steadfast and ensure that things are done in line. line with. with the electoral”.
While calling on security agencies to remain neutral, Muraina further urged electorates to come out en mass and vote for Candidates of their choice.
“We are calling on security agencies to be up and doing and do their job to ensure that there’s no form of any intimidation at the level of vote casting. If we are able to nip all this in the board by ensuring that there is no intimidation, and people are allowed to come out and cast their vote freely, that means our democracy is growing” he added.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, (CHRCR) Comrade Idris Abdul Miliki admonished KOSIEC to ensure that every vote count at the polls.
” We hope and believe that KOSIEC, security agencies will continue to maintain their neutrality. Kogites should not exercise their franchise in an atmosphere that is tensed. KOSIEC must ensure that the will of the people is reflected when results are announced”.
