An Election monitoring group,  YIAGA Africa, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be cautious of how it engages the leadership and members of the National Union Of Road Transport Workers in Ondo State in transporting  election materials to the LGA’s and RAC’s Centres across the State.
Addressing a news conference in Akure on Thursday, the Co-Chair of YIAGA Africa, Ms Aisha Abdulahi raised the concern over the endorsement of some candidates vying for the gubernatorial seat.
“The leadership and members of the NURTW in Ondo State is already partisan and taking sides with a political party and a particular gubernatorial candidate in the State. That in view of the development, the INEC should not hesitate to effectively collaborate with the Security Agencies especially the Police to arrest and prosecute any NURTW member that violates the contractual agreement between INEC and NURTW or make any attempt to undermine the election”.
YIAGA Africa, also tasked INEC to ensure all vehicles to be used in deploying election materials and personnel’s to the Registration Area Camps were deployed 24 hours before the commencement of polls”.
YIAGA also called on INEC to ensure the prompt payment of the allowances of the adhoc officials for the election.
INEC too should not hesitate to post information about polling units where elections are cancelled or where elections did not hold on the results viewing portal.
The group commended INEC for its resilience to replace the burnt smart card readers and consistency with its preparation ahead of the Ondo polls same way they did in Edo election.
Also, YIAGA noted the issue of violence along Oba Adesida road, Ipele area of Owo and Oba Akoko few weeks ago with much concern. It condemned non-compliance to the COVID 19 pandemic protocols by the political parties.
Packaged By Emmanuel Adeniran
