By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benue Sate has withdrawn two of it staff in Oju Local Government Area from field and issued them query for demanding payment from registrants.
The Benue State Administrative Secretary of INEC, Shehu Abdulwahab, revealed this in a statement issued on Friday in Benue
He said: “the attention of the Commission has been drawn to reports that two (2) of our Staff in Oju LGA were alleged to have demanded payment of a fee before registering citizens as voters in the Local Government”.
“The Commission is deeply concerned over this development as provisions have been made to our Offices across the State to ensure hitch-free exercise at No cost to the citizens”.
*As an immediate measures to arrest the ugly situation, the Commission has withdrawn the two (2) Staff from the field, issued them query and replaced them with another set of staff” he added.
“Furthermore, all the Electoral Officers in the twenty-three (23) LGA Offices in the State have been directed to warn their staff to desist from extorting money from registrants before registering them. For the avoidance of doubt, INEC wishes to reiterate to the good people of Benue State that VOTER REGISTRATION IS ABSOLUTELY FREE”.
“The Commission assures the citizens of its commitment to serve them efficiently throughout the registration period and beyond.
“Any observed abnormalities in any registration centre should be promptly reported to the following contacts: 08036048515, 08067842987, 08023070215”.
