Politics

INEC boosts transport union funds for Edo election amid fuel crisis

Written by Jerry Alomatu on September 17, 2024

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Due to the ongoing nationwide fuel crisis, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has increased its financial allocation to transport unions tasked with supporting logistics for the upcoming Edo State governorship election, Punch reports.

This move comes as a response to the recent hike in fuel prices, which has significantly driven up operational costs for transportation companies. INEC’s decision followed a crucial meeting on Friday at its Edo State office in Benin City, according to a statement from the commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi.

The meeting, presided over by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, brought together officials from three major transport unions: the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN). Discussions centered on election logistics, leading to the signing of a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Oyekanmi explained that the increase in funding was necessary to cover the rising costs of fuel, ensuring smooth transportation of vital election materials such as ballot boxes and voting machines. The transport unions pledged their commitment to mobilize resources and personnel to guarantee the timely and efficient distribution of these materials.

”INEC agreed to increase the amount payable to them due to the increase in per litre price of fuel, and the terms of the MoU were agreed upon. The three unions thereafter gave their commitment to work hard for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship election” Oyekanmi stated.

Meanwhile, with just days left before the election, Edo’s political climate saw further developments as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, filed a N20 billion defamation lawsuit against All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole. Ighodalo’s legal team demanded an apology for alleged defamatory remarks made by Oshiomhole concerning Ighodalo’s supposed involvement in a controversial pyramid scheme.

Simultaneously, Ighodalo responded to comments made by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, asserting that the minister has no authority to influence the outcome of the election. Ighodalo emphasized that only the people of Edo, with their votes, can decide the state’s next governor.

As the political tension rises, parties have intensified their efforts, with the PDP, APC, and Labour Party all launching targeted campaigns across the state, striving to consolidate voter support ahead of Saturday’s election.