…Apply to INEC headquarters for BVAS’ release, REC replies
By Musa Yaro, Calabar
ASHENEWS reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River state has alleged that the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) is frustrating it’s efforts to inspect electoral materials, despite a subsisting court order in that regard.
The Governorship Election Tribunal in the state had granted the PDP and its governorship Candidate, Prof Sandy Onor, relief to inspect relevant sensitive materials used in the said-elections.
The inspection of the materials was one of the reliefs sought by the party’s governorship candidate in petition No: EPT/CR/GOV/03M/2023 dated April 4, 2023, before the tribunal led by Justice J.O. Okeaya Inneh with Justice M.L.Omar and Justice O. O.Olatawura as members.
Briefing newsmen in Calabar on Friday, the Secretary of the PDP Special Committee on the Inspection, Chris Agbor, said all attempts by his members to inspect the materials met brick wall.
He also accused the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, and the Head of Operations at INEC of playing hide-and-seek game with the committee.
According to Agbor, when they first interfaced with the INEC team after the court order was duly served, the REC promised to give them six days to inspect the materials.
“Surprisingly, the commission has deliberately refused us access to the BVAS, used and unused ballot papers, result sheets, ballot paper stumps and other essential materials
“The action of the REC is a flagrant disregard to the subsisting order issued by the tribunal and this unwholesome posture tantamount to contempt of court.
“At this stage we are left with no other option than to report to the court for necessary action to enable us secure unhindered access to the materials.This is an essential process and step in pursuing the matter.
“The action of the Commission, especially the Head of Operations, is an indication that there is a foul play somewhere and we shall pursue this inspection of election materials to the end just as we shall not be deterred in any way from pursuing the case to its logical conclusion,” Agbor said.
When our reporter contacted the REC on phone for confirmation of PDP’s allegation, Prof. Yomere he is not aware of any impediment hindering the PDP team from inspecting the materials.
“I was diagnosed of glaucoma and I am currently in Kano state to see my ophthalmologist for a likely surgery. But before traveling, I handed over to the Administrative Secretary with specific instructions to ensure strict compliance to every court order.
“PDP is free to access every materials used at the elections except the BVAS which they must apply to our headquarters in Abuja before we can allow them to check.”
