2019 Election: Ballot Box Snatching, Manipulation by INEC Officials, Ad-hoc Staff,Security And Politicians
Rabiu Omaku
If the speech of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria Army to kill any ballot box snatchers is anything to go by, then scores would die in Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Nasarawa State.
The 2019 governorship and House of Assembly election in Nasarawa State can be described as the worst election while comparing what transpired in Presidential and National Assembly elections which was far better devoid of bloodshed.
Reports from Akwanga Local Government of the State revealed that two ballot boxes snatchers confirmed to be the thugs of the ruling All Progressives Congress were killed while attempting to cart away ballot boxes in favor of Hon.Kasim Mohammed Kasim, current member Nasarawa State House of Assembly who is seeking his re-election.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force ASP Ismail in a telephone conversation said is yet to receive information concerning the death of the two APC Supporters killed in Akwanga West.
The member according report was also hospitalized at the intensive Care unit of an undisclosed health facility in the State while in Police Barrack Polling Unit 026 a woman dressed in hijab was nab with 100 thump printed ballot papers which was in favor of the APC.
Another ugly incident was the involvement of the incumbent Chairman of the Nasarawa State Independent National Electoral Commission, Hon.Henry Omaku, the Chairman of the State electoral umpire was intercepted in companied of fake security agencies with ballot boxes of his polling Unit, Osanke polling Unit opposite Doma Catholic Church.
As at press time, his whereabouts is not known but armed soldiers has taken over his house which was partially destroyed by the beleaguered members of the opposition party, the PDP,ZLP and APGA in an attempt to defend their votes.
Some stakeholders expressed disappointment over the actions of NASIEC for stealing ballot box whose penalty is liable to death.
It could be recalled that the present speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly was also accused for using his security attached to snatch ballot boxes during the party primaries into House of Assembly.
INEC must wake up from her slumber to perfect election in Nigeria.
While Nigerian government to as matter of urgency do something to tackle one of the major constraint which includes logistics hiccups.
The electoral umpire should ensure that INEC employ the service of committed Corp members not greedy people with questionable character.
