By Milcah Tanimu
A peace meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the Imo State governorship election on Saturday descended into chaos in Owerri, the state capital. The INEC National Commissioner representing South-East, Kenneth Ukeagu, ordered journalists to turn off their cameras and other devices, leading to traditional rulers and participants fleeing the session as the interactive dialogue broke down due to opposition from the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party members.
Additionally, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress directed workers in Imo State to initiate a strike against Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is seeking re-election. The strike, set to begin on Wednesday, could disrupt the election, as INEC may struggle to distribute and transport materials due to the planned shutdown of public facilities and the transportation system.
The trouble started at the Owerri meeting when Ukeagu, representing the INEC chairman, directed journalists to switch off their equipment. This directive was challenged by the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate, Tony Nwulu, and opposition parties, who insisted on media participation in the stakeholders’ meeting.
The situation escalated, with allegations of collusion and fake election results, leading to a heated confrontation between the APC and opposition members. Traditional rulers, party leaders, and electoral commissioners fled the hall due to concerns about violence.
Upon the return of normalcy, opposition parties demanded the removal of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sylvia Agu, accusing her of favoring the APC. The REC’s retention by INEC and the ensuing confrontation led opposition party candidates to stage a walkout from the meeting.
The NLC and TUC instructed workers in Imo State to shut down the airport, power supply, and other amenities until their demands are met. The unions warned that if their demands were not met by November 14, they would direct all workers to down tools nationwide. Their demands include addressing outstanding salary arrears, allegations of ghost workers, violence, and harassment of labor leaders, among others.
INEC, in response, stated that the REC would not be withdrawn and would be supported by national commissioners on Election Day. Opposition parties argued that they had provided sufficient evidence to prove that Agu is compromised and called for her removal for fairness and equity.
The police have increased preparations for the governorship election by deploying Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to oversee the polls in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states, with additional security measures in place to ensure a smooth election process.
