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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, Edo State, found itself engulfed in a crisis of monumental proportions as torrential rainfall unleashed havoc on Friday, May 24, 2024. The ensuing floodwaters inundated the premises, wreaking havoc on both infrastructure and vital electoral resources. Sam Olumekun, INEC's National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, conveyed the grim reality of the situation in an official statement issued on Saturday.
Confirming the dire consequences of the deluge, Olumekun lamented the extensive damage inflicted upon the INEC office. He disclosed that the floodwaters had submerged not only movable items but also immovable fixtures, including vehicles, office furniture, and essential equipment crucial for electoral operations. The catastrophic inundation posed an imminent threat to the integrity of the electoral process, necessitating urgent remedial action.
In the face of adversity, INEC remained undeterred in its resolve to uphold democratic principles and facilitate citizen participation in the electoral process. Despite the crippling blow dealt by the flood,
the Commission swiftly devised contingency measures to salvage the situation and ensure the seamless continuation of electoral activities. Central to this strategy was the deployment of additional voter registration machines procured from neighboring states to mitigate the operational setbacks precipitated by the calamity.
Olumekun elucidated the extent of the devastation wrought by the flood, stating, "Our Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, has reported that our State Headquarters in Benin City was completely flooded following a torrential rainfall yesterday, Friday, 24th May 2024." The preliminary assessment conducted in the aftermath of the catastrophe revealed the widespread destruction inflicted upon the INEC office, with a significant section of the building compromised by the deluge.
Elaborating on the repercussions of the calamity, Olumekun remarked, "Movable and immovable items were submerged, including vehicles parked at the premises as well as office furniture and equipment." The inundation had a debilitating impact on critical electoral infrastructure, jeopardizing the seamless conduct of voter registration and other essential electoral processes.
Furthermore, the flooding incident inflicted considerable damage on the voter enrollment machines earmarked for the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. However, INEC remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving the sanctity of the electoral process and safeguarding the democratic rights of citizens. To mitigate the adverse effects of the flood-induced disruptions, the Commission expedited the dispatch of additional registration machines from neighboring states to augment the depleted inventory and ensure the uninterrupted progression of the CVR initiative.
Olumekun affirmed the unwavering determination of INEC to uphold its mandate, asserting, "We are determined to ensure that the CVR in all the 192 Wards across Edo State will proceed on Monday, 27th November 2024, as scheduled." This resolute stance underscored the Commission's unwavering resolve to surmount the challenges posed by the natural disaster and fulfill its electoral obligations to the Nigerian populace.
As restoration efforts commenced in earnest to rehabilitate the flood-ravaged INEC office and salvage indispensable electoral resources, stakeholders remained vigilant in their oversight of the situation. The imperative of maintaining the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process remained paramount, even amidst the adversities wrought by unforeseen natural calamities.
The inundation of the INEC office in Benin, Edo State, served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of external adversities. However, it also underscored the resilience and adaptability of INEC in navigating turbulent waters and upholding the democratic ethos enshrined in the Nigerian polity.
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