The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo State, Gabriel Ada, has dissociated himself and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the recent arrest of some INEC officials in the state.
The 15 officials were allegedly arrested by security operatives for altering the result sheets of the National Assembly and governorship elections, to suit the figures that were dubiously allotted to political parties.
Mr Ada, who confirmed the arrest in an interview with Channels Television in Owerri the Imo State capital, said the arrested staff acted on their own volition and not under the directive of the commission.
He noted that any staff of the commission caught trying to subvert electoral process would take full responsibility for his actions.
The REC also said the recent arrest of the officials from the operations and legal department is a clear indication that the commission does not tolerate or cover up any fraudulent practice by any of its staff.
He further noted ahead of Saturday’s supplementary elections, that the commission is more prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the state.
He also maintained that the card reader machine would effectively be in use, stating that any staff caught not using the card reader would be dealt with severely.
He also disclosed that there would be total restriction of movement in the entire state, even though the election is in few areas across the state.
Meanwhile, the incident had generated much controversy between the two rivalry political parties in the state, as they have continued to trade words over the incident accusing each other of colluding with INEC to alter figures.
It’s about 48 hours to the supplementary elections and all eyes are on INEC and security operatives to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the state.
