Ondo 2020: We’re committed to hitch-free polls, burnt smart readers replaced – INEC Chairman

Following the destruction of over 5000 card readers in the ICT unit of the Ondo State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Chairman of the commission, Prof Mammud Yakubu has disclosed that the card readers have been replaced.

The INEC boss revealed this on Wednesday in Akure while speaking with newsmen during a three-day working visit to the State.

Recall that about 5,141 smart card readers meant for the governorship election were burnt in the inferno that occurred on September 10.

According to Prof. Yabuku, the visit was to have on-the-spot assessment of the level of preparedness of the commission ahead of the October 10 governorship polls.

While stressing that the governorship election in the State will be hitch-free as witnessed in Edo State last Saturday, Yakubu maitainted that the commission had made provision for the card readers from other States and they have been configured ahead of the polls.

“We have already recovered some smart card readers. We unfortunately lost over 5000 smart card readers to the fire incident.

“We have, however, recovered by getting requisite a number of smart card readers from neighbouring Oyo State,” he said.

Yakubu explained that he was in the State to meet with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Ambassador Rufus Akeju and Head of Departments ahead of the October 10, Governorship Election in Ondo State.

He also stated that during the visit, he would interact with all the stakeholders in the election, including traditional rulers in the State to ensure the success of the election.