The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the capsizing of a boat moving election personnel in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
According to INEC, the incident occurred while officials of the Commission were conveying electoral materials to the Registration Area Centers on Friday.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission, Bayelsa State Office commenced the movement of personnel and electoral materials to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) on Friday 10th November, 2023.
“However, we wish to confirm that a boat carrying election personnel to Registration Area-17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw LGA capsized,” the Commission stated.
INEC said there was no loss of lives, though it recorded missing valuable items among other things.
“Fortunately, no life was lost as all the election personnel numbering 12 and the boat operators were rescued.
“We however lost our result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personal effects of staff.”
Meanwhile, INEC revealed the total number of registered voters in the Local Government and assured that election will take place as scheduled.
“The total number of registered voters in the affected Registration Areas is 5368 and the number of PVCs collected is 5311. INEC is making efforts to ensure the conduct of election in the affected area.”
The Commission also disclosed that 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.
In the same vein, INEC noted that it has informed the security agencies about the abduction.
There will be Governorship elections (Off-cycle elections) in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi State respectively later today.
