INEC Suspends Plateau Electoral Officer  Over Missing Ballots, as Protest Rocks Jos

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended its Electoral Officer (EO) for Jos North Local Government Area that was complicit in the circumstances surrounding the Saturday disappearance of ballot papers in 16 polling units in the Local Government.

This is as the supporters of People’s Redemption Party (PRP) are protesting on the streets of Jos against the continuation of election on Sunday in some areas of Jos North LGA.

In a letter signed by Head of Department, Electoral Operations of INEC, Isah Abah Idakwo the commission directed the EO to hand over the Local Government Supervisor, Barrister Elekwa Onyemauche.

The letter reads, “You are directed to step aside from office to enable the commission carry out proper investigation on circumstances that led to the missing of Federal House of Representatives ballot papers in 16 polling units in your Local Government.

“You’re further directed to hand over to Barr. Elekwa Onyemauche the Local Government Supervisor and the two RA Supervisors in Tudun-wada/Kabong and Naragutta-B (EO Shendam and EO Kanke LGA respectively) to coordinate and complete the remaining process.”

The protesters said that by continuing the voting exercise on Sunday after voting had earlier ended on Saturday, they have lost confidence in the credibility of the enter process.

Meanwhile, collation of ballots continued on Sunday evening after conclusion of voting in the 16 polling units where voting were postponed.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

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