INEC trains 1,776 corps members

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Tuesday it had trained no fewer than 1,776 Corps members for the Sept. 30 bye-election in Eti-Osa Constituency I in Lagos State.

NAN reports that the seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly became vacant following the death of Mr Kazeem Alimi, who represented the constituency in the Assembly.

Alimi died on July 18, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and was buried on July 19, two weeks after his 50th birthday celebration.

The late lawmaker was until his death, the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Community Affairs.

Speaking with NAN on preparations for the election, Mr Sam Olumekun, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner said that the commission had trained Polling Officers, mostly Corps members for the Sept. 30 bye-election.

Olumekun, who assured candidates of a level playing ground, promised to ensure adequate provision of personnel and materials during the exercise.

According to him, the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security had met and assured voters of security of lives and materials during the exercise.

According to him, the commission has also trained enough Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) and provided adequate card readers to ensue credible poll.

“We have trained all officers for the election and we have enough card readers for the accreditation of voters on the election day.

“Let all eligible voters in the constituency go out and exercise their civic responsibility by coming out to vote for the candidate of their choice,” he said.

The INEC boss, who said that there would be no restrictions of human and vehicular movements, assured of adequate security personnel to deal with any breach of law and order.

Olumekun urged contestants and their supporters to be law abiding before, during and after the exercise.

According to him, the affected constituency has six Registration Areas (Wards) and 188 Polling Units.

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The spokesman for INEC in the state, Mr Femi Akinbiyi, had told NAN that nine political parties would be jostling for the seat in the House of Assembly.

The candidates are: Mr Olawale Okesola (AA); Mr Samson Tampennu (AD); Mr Noheem Babatunde (APC) and Mr Olawale Gbadamosi (BNPP).

Others are: Mr Olufemi Adebiyi (DA); Mr Oluwaseun Adebayo-Daniel (NNPP); Mr Arubiewe Abogun (PDP); Mr Olorunyomi Odusanya (PPA) and Mr Abiodun Adetayo (UDP).

NAN reports that the six RAs in the affected constituency include Victoria Island II, Ilasan Housing Estate/Moriyegun 5 and Lekki/Ikate.

Others are Ilado/Eti-Osa, Aja/Sangotedo and Ado/Langbasa/Badore.