TheCable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa state has appealed to those in possession of its 63 missing card readers to return them before Saturday’s elections.

On Monday, the commission announced that 63 smart card readers used during the president and national assembly elections were missing.

According to NAN, Wilfred Ifogah, head of department, INEC voter education and publicity, listed Brass, Sagbama, Southern-Ijaw, Nembe and Yenagoa as local government areas where the cards were used.

Ifogah said in Brass ward 6, unit 19, one smart card reader was missing, 24 were missing in Nembe wards 1, 4, 12 and 13, while 24 went missing in Southern-Ijaw, wards 1, 2, 3, 12 and 15.

“Yes, about 63 card readers are missing. The resident electoral commissioner, Mr Monday Udom, has issued a statement that those involved should return them to INEC on or before Wednesday,” he said.

“Eight card readers are missing in Sagbama ward 1, Unit 5 and ward 6 Unit 3, while in Yenagoa six are also missing in wards 1, 11 and 16.”

Ifogah quoted the commissioner as saying those in possession of the card readers would not be victimised if they return the items.

The governorship and state house of assembly elections are scheduled for March 9 but only legislative election will take place in Bayelsa as Seriake Dickson, the incumbent governor will remain in office till 2020.