Despite the recent flooding that caused destruction and damages at the Edo State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Commission has assured Nigerians that this setback has not affected the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as INEC remains steadfast in its preparations for the State Governorship Election scheduled for 21st September, 2024.
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave the assurance on Thursday, 30th May 2024 in Benin, Edo State while conducting on-the-spot assessment of the damage(s) caused by last Friday evening’s torrential rain at the Commission’s State office.
After touring the site along with his entourage to assess the extent of the damage, Prof. Yakubu met with the staff of the State office and expressed delight that their spirits were not dampened by the impact of the flood.
He said, “We are here basically to see for ourselves what happened to our facilities following the unexpected torrential rainfall and the flooding that occurred. It is equally important for us to come and meet with you who are the staff in the Edo office. We thank God no life was lost and no injuries were sustained. But I want to assure you that in spite of the extensive damage, we have recovered to continue with the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise and we will recover to conduct the governorship election in September”.
“We have three months and three weeks to the election, so; whatever we have lost in terms of critical equipment, whatever support facilities we need to replace, whatever office furniture we need to replace, we will do so,” Prof. Yakubu assured.
He further disclosed that the Commission will salvage and repair any equipment that can be fixed. Additionally, resources will be mobilized from neighboring states to address any shortfalls to ensure the successful conduct of the Governorship Election.
“It is only in a general election that each state office must be self-sufficient but here we will call for additional resources from the neighbouring states to ensure that there are no issues with the election. The present Commission has a lot of experience in handling the Edo governorship election. For me personally, this is going to be my third governorship election in Edo State”.
“We conducted the 2016 election, we conducted the September 2020 election and by God’s grace we are approaching the September 2024 election. So the CVR which is ongoing will not be affected”
“Whatever issues and challenges there, we will listen to the REC and his team and we will continue to respond.”
“So, let me reassure Edo voters that the CVR will continue in spite of the slight setback we have experienced and that the preparation for the governorship election is also going to continue,” Prof. Yakubu said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the welfare of its staff, assured them that INEC will continue to provide a decent working environment for staff in Edo and all INEC offices across the country.
In an interview with members of the press following the meeting with INEC staff, Prof. Yakubu stated that the Commission is not considering relocation of the State office at this time. Instead, the plan is to find a permanent solution to the flooding issue.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner Edo State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha commended the prompt measures taken by the Commission to address the flooding at the State office, he also pledged the commitment of the Edo State staff to ensure a credible and successful election despite the recent flooding incident.
The REC said “We had an incident that happened on the 24th of this month and when I reported the matter, you took a proactive decision that led to the relocation of the registration center to our office in Ikpoba Okha. That decision and the position of the Commission helped us. Many people thought that the registration exercise would not continue, but to the glory of God we are on course, we cannot afford to fail the Commission.
All the assurances we are giving you here is that the mandate and the vision of the Commission will be maintained in Edo,” Dr. Onuoha said.
The INEC Chairman later visited some of the registration centres to assess the ongoing CVR in the state. The visit afforded him the opportunity to interact with the people of Edo State. The registration centres visited included Ward 2, Western Boys Secondary School, Ikpoba Okha LGA, INEC Ikpoba Okha LGA Office and Ward 3, Eweka Primary School in Use, Egor LGA.
He also held a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in the State.
Accompanying the Chairman on the assessment visit were Hon. National Commissioners – Prof. Rhoda Gumus, Maj. Gen. Modibo Alkali Rtd (mni), Mr. Sam Olumekun mni, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner and the Controller, Federal Ministry of Works in Edo State, Hassan Babatunde.
Also, part of the INEC Chairman’s entourage were the Chief Technical Adviser to the Hon. Chairman, Prof. Bolade Eyinla and the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi.
