Imo REC Dissociates INEC From Arrested Officials, Says Total Restriction Of Movement To Be Imposed On Rerun Day

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo State, Gabriel Ada,
has dissociated himself and the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) from the recent arrest of some INEC officials in the
state.

The 15 officials were allegedly arrested by security operatives for
altering the result sheets of the National Assembly and governorship
elections, to suit the figures that were dubiously allotted to
political parties.

Mr Ada, who confirmed the arrest in an interview with Channels
Television in Owerri the Imo State capital, said the arrested staff
acted on their own volition and not under the directive of the
commission.

He noted that any staff of the commission caught trying to subvert
electoral process would take full responsibility for his actions.

The REC also said the recent arrest of the officials from the
operations and legal department is a clear indication that the
commission does not tolerate or cover up any fraudulent practice by
any of its staff.

He further noted ahead of Saturday's supplementary elections, that the
commission is more prepared to conduct free, fair and credible
elections in the state.

He also maintained that the card reader machine would effectively be
in use, stating that any staff caught not using the card reader would
be dealt with severely.

He also disclosed that there would be total restriction of movement in
the entire state, even though the election is in few areas across the
state.

Meanwhile, the incident had generated much controversy between the two
rivalry political parties in the state, as they have continued to
trade words over the incident accusing each other of colluding with
INEC to alter figures.

It's about 48 hours to the supplementary elections and all eyes are on
INEC and security operatives to ensure free, fair and credible
elections in the state.
--ChannelsTV