The Collation officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has submitted fifty thousand naira bribe allegedly given to a presiding officer during Saturday’s election.
The Herald gathered that the collation officer on Sunday, November 17, made this submission after reeling out figures of the poll conducted within the district.
While presenting the sum at the INEC headquarters in the state, the collation officer did not state which political party had attempted the bribe.
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The election in Kogi state witnessed a great deal of violence and enormous vote-buying. Observers note that the issue of vote-buying was rampant even though INEC enlisted anti-graft agencies to checkmate the menace.
Meanwhile, The Herald reported that voting commenced in the Kogi Governorship and National Assembly election in the western senatorial district of the state.
INEC officials arrived as early as 7 a.m. at various polling units visited by our correspondent in Mopamuro, while accreditation and voting commenced at exactly 8 a.m.
The polling units visited by NAN were Orokere Ward 06 (PU= 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007 and 008), Aiyedayo Ward 08 (PU= 004 and 003 unit) and Aiyeteju Ward 09 (PU= 001, 002, 003 and 004 unit.
The elections witnessed a large turnout of voters who trooped out to exercise their franchise. The election has also been relatively peaceful in the zone. However, there were pockets of altercation and fighting at Ward 08, PU 004, with some thugs saw around the unit.