The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has organised a stakeholders meeting in Damaturu, Yobe State capital, reassuring them of its readiness to hold hitch free elections.
Presided over by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Habu Zarma, the meeting had in attendance representatives of various political parties, security formations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and the media.
The meeting appraised the level of preparedness, ranging from the collection of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the allocation of polling stations for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) among other issues that will enhance peaceful conduct of the election.
Addressing the gathering, the REC said the PVC collection had reached 91 per cent, stressing that efforts were in progress to ensure that all the IDPs were conveyed to their various polling stations.
Mr Zarma said the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Fika and two secondary schools in Damaturu had been reserved for Gulani and Gujba IDPs, expressing sadness that initial plans did not make preparations for IDPs.
The REC stated that there were few cases of the IDPs in Bursari, Gaidam and Yunusari, but expressed happiness that security agencies had reported the return of peace in the areas and hope for smooth conduct of the exercise.
Zarma also said the PVCs of some registered voters in the state were yet to be printed. he explained that the National Headquarters had called for the collection of some printed PVCs, saying the electoral officers of the affected areas are on standby to immediately distribute the said PVCS as soon as they arrived the state.
Speaking on the use of the card reader for the voter accreditation, the REC said only voters identified would be allowed to exercise their franchise, saying; “there are enough card reader with back up of three per each electoral wards”.
The REC called on the stakeholders and people across the state to ensure orderliness that will would way for free, fair, peaceful and credible exercise.