Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has voiced his concerns regarding the apparent tension between the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and their counterparts, the National Association of Road Transport Owners. He indicated that such discord could potentially undermine the integrity of the elections in Ekiti State.
He urged the unions to collaborate for the sake of the elections, emphasizing that transport logistics is a crucial element for the success of any election, stating, “your elections can only be as good as your transport logistics.”
Amupitan highlighted that although the commission lacks its own vehicles to fulfill the demands of the elections, it chooses to partner with the transport unions due to their extensive reach, rather than ignoring the issue.
He cautioned them against accepting payment for vehicles they are unable to provide, stressing that the logistics for the elections must be meticulously planned to prevent last-minute complications, referencing the challenges faced during the Anambra elections.
He emphasized that experience has demonstrated that the union frequently does not possess sufficient vehicles, often opting to rent, which results in delivering fewer vehicles than necessary.
He reminded them that both international and local observers accredited to oversee the elections typically monitor fewer than 100 polling units and base their evaluations on those units, while actively seeking negative aspects of the elections.
He stated, “we must not give them any negative incidents to report about the elections. Let them search and not find. Inform us of what you can accomplish and what you cannot. Do not deceive us.”
The National Union of Road Transport Workers will be relied upon to transport electoral materials to various locations during the governorship election scheduled for June 20 in the state.
Earlier, the National Commissioners of INEC, led by Prof. Sani Adams, cautioned the road transport workers against undermining the Commission’s efforts to conduct a credible, free, and fair governorship election.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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