Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has cleared the air on reports that some thugs on Friday invaded its continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centre, situated at St. Bridget Catholic Church ljesha, in Surulere, and cart away its voter enrollment machines.
Gatekeepers News reports that INEC’s Public Relations Officer in Lagos State, Adenike Oriowo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that though the exercise was disrupted because of the surge, no machine was stolen.
“There were issues in the said CVR centre but orderliness was restored and the exercise continued smoothly.
“We have moved the registration in that centre to another polling unit in the area, and our officials have continued with the registration.
“People should be patient. We shall register as many people as possible. If people continue to disrupt the process, the opportunity to register more people before the deadline will be interrupted.
“Our commitment is to register as many people as possible and we will try to do so within the limited time,” the INEC spokesperson said.
She further frowned at the last-minute rush by many applicants, saying the exercise had been on since June 2021 and many people did not take advantage but waited till the deadline.
Also, the State Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin in a series of tweets, confirmed Friday’s incident.
He said the police arrested the INEC officials who were found within the church premises registering members.
“The INEC officials were assigned to Imam Thanni Street by House 9A for today’s exercise. They were, however, found within the church premises. Residents raised concerns and informed the police. The DPO Ijeshatedo swung into action and brought the INEC officials to the station.
“Preliminary findings show that a resident of the area who volunteered to transport the officials from their office to the center was responsible for the mix-up, deliberate or not, further investigation will reveal. Meanwhile, the officials were immediately released to proceed to the correct center to continue their assignment,” he tweeted.
Gatekeepers News reports that INEC fixed July 31 as the deadline for the exercise.
