UYO – The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom, Mr Austin Okojie, has warned Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) for Saturday elections in the state not to give the polls materials to politicians.
Okojie gave the warning on Wednesday in Uyo at an interactive session with the SPOs handling the governorship and House Assembly elections in the state.
He said that there were allegations of irregularities and misbehaviour by the electoral officers in the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.
According to him, there are allegations that result sheets were taken to houses of politicians instead of handing it over to the presiding officers.
He said that people also complained of late arrival of materials at the polling units.
“’I don’t want the image of our commission to be dented or to create an impression that we are biased.
“We are supposed to be an unbiased umpire and when you receive these materials from the local government headquarters, take them direct to the polling units.
“We are going to have many election monitoring observers to monitor your activities.
“I appeal to you to do the right thing in the interest of justice and fair play.
‘’Having been trained by the commission, you should work according to the guidelines and rules for the conduct of an election,’’ he told the SPOs.
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The REC restated that those caught for not doing the right thing would be handed over to security agents for prosecution.
He, however, assured the officials that allowances due for them would be paid promptly, adding that the commission would also ensure that there were adequate security presence at all polling units. (NAN)
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