Toba Owojaiye reporting
Yenegoa, south south Nigeria
The Bayelsa Governorship Election process has begun with a tragic incident as a boat, carrying 12 election personnel to Registration Area-17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw LGA, capsized.
Thankfully, all occupants, including the personnel and the boat operator, were rescued, but they lost crucial materials such as result sheets, power banks, and personal belongings.
Although no lives were lost, the incident has impacted the election process in the affected Registration Areas, where 5368 voters are registered, with 5311 PVCs collected.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is actively working to ensure the election proceeds smoothly despite the setback.
In another unfortunate event, the Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) assigned to Registration Area-06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA was abducted while waiting to board a boat at Amassoma Jetty.
The abduction has been reported to security agencies for prompt action.
These incidents cast a somber tone on the commencement of the Bayelsa Governorship Election, emphasizing the challenges faced, including the loss of essential election materials and the security concerns surrounding the abduction of an INEC official. INEC’s commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring a fair and secure election is crucial in navigating through these setbacks.