INEC moves 22 polling units from politicians’ homes in Akwa Ibom - REC confirms

- The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom, Mike Igini, reveals that polling units have been moved from homes of 22 politicians

- Igini insists that INEC is fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections

- The commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom state, Bashir Makama, warns against vote selling and buying

Ahead of the 2019 elections, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Akwa Ibom state, Mike Igini, has revealed that the electoral umpire relocated 22 polling units from private homes of politicians in the state.

Legit.ng understands that Igini stated this in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state, during a meeting with heads of security agencies, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and stakeholders of political parties.

Daily Trust reports that he did not give details of how the polling units were discovered to be in the homes of these politicians.

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The REC, who noted that INEC was prepared for free, fair and credible elections that would be acceptable by all, slammed politicians for electoral violence in the state.

According to him, INEC is closely working with the police to ensure that the electorate exercised its franchise in a serene environment.

Urging the electorate to play by the rules during the elections, Igini said: “Democracy and legitimate elections are required to supply legitimacy to the government. Every time we are going for an election, it is as if we are going to war. This is sad.

“An election day should be a day when the sovereignty of the people should be reaffirmed. Election brings about accountability and processes of human endeavour. You cannot talk about democracy without the rule of law.

“Unfortunately, the political elite who are the highest beneficiaries of our electoral process are the greatest threat to our democracy.”

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Speaking at the event earlier, the commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom state, Bashir Makama, warned politicians and the voters against all forms of electoral malpractice.

He also warned against buying, selling or canvassing for votes at the polling units on election days warning that anyone caught would be prosecuted.

Legit.ng earlier reported how few days to the general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released a list of offences voters should avoid during the electoral exercise.

The electoral body made this known in a short video it posted on its official twitter page through the handle

The commission said: "The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the electoral act 2010, as amended & the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Rules and Regulations constitute the legal framework which regulates our electoral process."

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Source: Legit.ng