SPO ABDUCTED, RESULTS SHEETS LOST IN BOAT MISHAP IN BAYELSA – INEC 11-11-23
By Sadiq Aminu A boat conveying 12 election personnel and materials to Registration Area Center 17 in Koluama in Southern Ijaw LGA capsized.
All personnel and the boat operator were rescued according to a statement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Bayelsa State Office.
The statement says result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personal effects of staff were lost. A total number of 5368 are registered voters in ward 17 (Koluama) in the Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state and the number of PVCs collected is 5311.
INEC says it is making efforts to ensure the conduct of election in the affected area.
Meanwhile, A Supervisory Presiding Officer, SPO, assigned to Registration Area- 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA, of Bayelsa state has been abducted while waiting to board a boat at Amassoma Jetty.
Mr Ifogah who confirmed the incident said security agencies have been notified.
Also, sporadic gunfire was reportedly heard around 3 am on Saturday in Brass LGA raising fears among residents of the town. Normalcy was restored by security agencies.
In Nembe local government Area, Materials left the Registration Area Center to various polling unit but there are some challenges according to the Electoral Officer (EO) of Nembe LGA, Mr. Apianbo Abbey who said some villagers intercepted the bus carrying the materials from RAC center in Bassambiri.
Election materials arrived early at 6.50am at polling units in Sampou in Kolokuma-Opokuma LGA. Ad-hoc staff were seen setting up materials at ward 6 unit 4 Kalama Owei in preparation for accreditation and voting.
Materials have not arrived in Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw LGA.