The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Thursday inspected two local government offices in Osun State and declared that the Commission is “operationally, technologically and logistically prepared” for the August 15 governorship election.
He led a high-powered delegation of National Commissioners and the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner on the tour to assess the Commission’s level of readiness.
The Chairman’s first stop was the Osogbo Local Government INEC office, where he was received by the Electoral Officer, Kadri Saburi Adetunji.
Osogbo LGA has 15 Registration Areas and was listed by INEC among the 10 election hotspots in the state.
During the visit, Prof. Amupitan inspected hardware, electoral materials and other non-sensitive items at the facility. He also engaged the EO on the office’s level of preparedness for the August 15 poll.
The delegation later moved to the Ede South Local Government INEC office, where the Chairman was welcomed by the Electoral Officer, Ogunjide Ololade.
At Ede South, Prof. Amupitan inspected stationery and other non-sensitive electoral materials earmarked for the election.
Responding to the Chairman’s queries, the EO assured of the office’s readiness.
“We will activate our RACs as soon as possible, move our personnel to the field and ensure monitoring,” Ogunjide said.
He, however, appealed to the INEC Chairman for assistance with perimeter fencing of the premises to enhance the security of materials and personnel.
On Prof. Amupitan’s entourage were INEC National Commissioners: Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Dr. Baba Gbila, Dr. Ken Okeagwu, Dr. Sani Adams, SAN, Sunday Ajah, Malami Tukur Yusuf, and Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa.
Also on the tour was the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Oluwatoyin Babalola.