Flooding Hits INEC in Edo State, Damages 4000 BVAS Machines
A recent flood has caused significant disruption at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Edo State, damaging over 4,000 Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, announced this during a two-day induction retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Lagos State on Monday.
Despite this setback, INEC has managed to recover more than 3,500 of the affected BVAS machines. Prof. Yakubu expressed concerns that the remaining machines might not be enough for the upcoming elections, hinting that INEC might need additional support from nearby states.
He explained that the induction retreat is more than just an orientation. It’s an opportunity for INEC to review past performances, reassess their processes, discuss new innovations, and engage with their service providers. This approach is aimed at improving how the commission operates and delivers services.
Edotoday reports that A key part of the retreat involves working closely with lawmakers to push for important reforms. Prof. Yakubu stressed how crucial this collaboration is for strengthening INEC’s capabilities and ensuring better election services.
Prof. Yakubu also talked about the upcoming elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states. He assured that INEC is dedicated to implementing necessary administrative reforms quickly and will keep pushing for needed legal changes through discussions with the National Assembly.
The flooding in Edo State has certainly posed a challenge for INEC, but the commission is committed to overcoming it. With ongoing recovery efforts and strategic collaborations, INEC aims to ensure the upcoming elections run smoothly and efficiently.
