The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State says the State Headquarters in Lokoja was besieged on Wednesday by a mob that barricaded all entrances to the office and prevented access to staff to carry out routine duties.
According to Resident Electoral Commissione, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet, the siege also prevented attorneys representing political parties involved in the recent off-cycle governorship election from inspecting documents/materials used in the election.
"It took the intervention of the Nigerian Army to calm the situation down at the State Headquarters. The security agencies have assured us that they will maintain normalcy on our premises.
"We assure all parties and litigants that the Kogi State office is committed to granting unimpeded access to all materials needed to prosecute their petitions." she said
This development comes amidst a concurrent event where INEC is honoring eight retired staff members in Abuja. The ceremony, emphasizing the importance of serving without blemish, serves as a stark contrast to the chaos in Lokoja. As the INEC community reflects on the challenges and rewards of electoral service, a call for continued mentorship from senior staff to the younger generation echoes, underscoring the dedication required to uphold the democratic process in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, as the ceremony unfolded in Abuja, the INEC community reflected on the challenges and rewards of electoral service, with a call for continued mentorship from senior staff to the younger generation. The celebration served as a reminder of the dedication required to uphold the democratic process in Nigeria
INEC honours retired staff, tasks members on service without blemish
The retired directors were the immediate pass director, Mr Ayodele Aluko and his predecessor, Mr Nick Dazang.
The retired deputy directors were Mr Andy Ezeani, Dr Chukwuemeka Ugboaja, and Chinwe Ogbuka; while the retired Staff members were Mrs Peace Ugo, Mrs Josephine Ozoemena and Mrs Dorothy Inyang.