EDSIEC Recruits 10,000 Ad Hoc Personnel For Edo LG Election

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has said that 10,000 ad hoc personnel have been recruited and trained for Saturday’s local government elections across the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, the Chairman of the commission, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, said the temporary election officials had undergone the necessary training and were equipped to carry out their duties professionally.

He assured residents that the commission had concluded all preparations for the conduct of a free, fair, credible, transparent, peaceful and inclusive election.

According to Aifuobhokhan, the commission has ensured that every stage of the electoral process complies with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Edo State Electoral Law and accepted democratic standards.

He disclosed that both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials had been produced, inspected, sorted and packaged ahead of deployment to all local government areas, wards and polling units.

The EDSIEC chairman added that special logistics had been put in place to deliver materials to riverine and other hard-to-reach communities to ensure that no eligible voter is denied the opportunity to participate because of geographical challenges.

Aifuobhokhan said voting will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while election results will be transmitted manually.

He stated that transportation arrangements had been completed, election personnel fully trained, communication systems activated and security agencies adequately coordinated to guarantee a smooth electoral process.

“Our logistics are ready. Our transportation arrangements are complete. Election personnel have been adequately trained. Electoral materials have been deployed. Security coordination has been concluded. Communication systems are operational,” he said.

He expressed confidence that all 18 local government areas, wards and polling units were fully prepared for the exercise, assuring voters that the commission would conduct an election that reflects the will of the people.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has announced a robust security deployment across the state ahead of the council elections slated.

Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, said personnel and operational assets had been posted to all 18 LGAs, covering polling units, collation centres, critical infrastructure and other strategic locations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the CP directed officers to provide professional, impartial and intelligence-driven policing throughout the electoral period.

The Command said it would also work closely with other security agencies to maintain law and order before, during and after the polls.

“We assure all eligible voters of adequate security,” the statement read.

“Citizens are encouraged to come out peacefully to exercise their constitutional and civic responsibility without fear of intimidation or harassment,” it added.

The police called on residents to conduct themselves orderly, obey directives from security personnel and electoral officials, and avoid actions that could undermine the credibility of the elections.