A massive flooding that hit Edo state on Friday has wrecked havoc on the Edo State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin City.
The flood was as a result of the heavy rainfall which left several parts of the state capital, flooded.
The incidence occurred ahead of the commencement of Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) exercise in the state.
Some of the voter enrollment machines already configured for the exercise were affected. The CVR is set to commence from May 27 to June 5, 2024.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the incidence in a statement on Saturday.
He said the commission received report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, who said the INEC office in Benin was completely flooded following a torrential rainfall on Friday, May 24, 2024.
“Preliminary assessment shows that the heavy downpour damaged a section of the building. Movable and immovable items were submerged, including vehicles parked at the premises as well as office furniture and equipment,” Olumekun said.
“Some of the voter enrollment machines already configured for the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) are affected. However, the Commission is delivering additional machines from the neighbouring States to make up for the shortfall. 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.
“However, in view of the emergency situation, the State Headquarters will not serve as a registration centre as planned. Instead, the exercise will now take place in our Ikpoba Okha LGA office located at 16 Customs Road, off Benin/Auchi Road, Benin City.”
