2023 election: We won’t redeploy Lagos REC over alleged anti-Igbo comments – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday said it would not redeploy Segun Agbaje, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos State, over unfounded allegations.

 

Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to INEC Chairman, who stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, urged those demanding Agbaje’s redeployment to die the thought.

 

There have been demands for the REC’s removal over alleged mismanagement of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) collection in some parts of Lagos State and engagement of Musiliu Akinsanya – led Lagos State Parks Management Committee to convey election materials.

 

Agbaje was quoted to have given reasons during a recent live TV interview on Channels why people in Okota, Oshodi Local Government Areas, cannot get their PVCs and inferred that the Igbos in the area were immigrants.

 

However, Oyekanmi has now dismissed the allegations against Agbaje, describing it as deliberate misinformation and distortion of facts.

 

He said, “Let me make one thing clear upfront. Mr Agbaje will not be removed as the REC for Lagos [State] over unfounded allegations.

 

“He’ll not only conduct the Presidential/National Assembly election scheduled for February 25, but he’ll also superintend over the Governorship/State House of Assembly election holding on Mar. 11.

 

“He’s a conscientious, honest, dependable and hardworking REC. His integrity speaks for him in all the places where he has served.”

 

He added, “Let me break this down for you. During the recent Continuous Voter Registration that took place between June 2021 and July 2022. Lagos State under Agbaje registered the highest number of voters in the country – 585,629.

 

“This debunks the allegation that the Lagos REC deliberately withheld the PVCs belonging to persons from a particular region of the country.”