January 25, (THEWILL) – The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River State, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, has described reports of BVAS in Government House, Calabar as deliberate falsehood.
Professor Yomere made this known in Calabar during a joint briefing with security agencies at the INEC office.
His reaction follows reports in some online platforms in the state, where it was alleged that “BVAS machines moved into governor’s Lodge in Calabar, under the cover of darkness. That’s Ayade’s house. All stakeholders should be worried”.
The REC debunked the news of the missing BVAS calling on the public to disregard it.
He equally threatened to resign his appointment if it is established that any BVAS is missing.
“The information is a deliberate falsehood by mischief makers intended to mislead the public and unduly ignite anxiety.
“Cross Riverians and members of the general public are enjoined to ignore the information as the number of BVAS deployed from INEC headquarters to Cross River State office is intact and adequately secured.
“INEC, Cross River State office Cautions all citizens against circulating fake news capable of heating up the polity and undermining the neutrality and integrity of the commission,” he said.
He cautioned all citizens against circulating fake news capable of heating up the polity and undermining the neutrality of the Commission.
On his part, the State Police Commissioner, CP Balarabe Sule, said measures were taken to physically inspect the facility where the machines were stored and found to be intact.
CP Sule, who was represented by DCP Operations, Frank Idu, said the security cameras have been reviewed and there hasn’t been any attempt by anyone to go close to it.
He assured stakeholders that nothing happened to the machines and the information was malicious.
Meanwhile, the Cross River State chapter Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Anthony Bisong, requested that they should have access to the bar codes attached to the BVAS and that political parties should sight the machines.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
