INEC officials, residents shun COVID-19 protocols in Edo

In a few hours, residents of Edo will go to the polls elect the governor of their choice. Although 14 candidates are contesting the election, the race is between Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ahead of the election, TheCable visited several areas in the state. From crammed markets and buses to people jettisoning use of face masks, among others, the impression is that Edo has put COVID-19 behind.

At the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office at Aduwawa in Ikpoba Okha local government area, COVID-19 appeared to be the least concern as electoral officials throng to check the list of selected ad-hoc staff.

At Esan central local government, the situation was the same. In spite of boldly inscribed notices on the wall aimed at driving compliance with COVID-19 directives, many appeared unbothered.

Majority neither wore face masks nor observe social distancing. At Okada in Ovia north-east local government, there was zero compliance with COVID19 guidelines. This was evidenced during the distribution of non-sensitive materials to INEC’s ad-hoc staff with many people flouting social distancing directive in the process.

Similar scenario played out when we visited INEC office at Igwodozu in Ovia-south-west local government. There was no social distancing while the few people wearing face masks only placed them on their chins.

The rules of physical distancing were not enforced at INEC offices in Irrua and Ekpoma.

At the entrance of both offices, police officers cluttered in groups discussing the election oblivious of the need for physical distancing. Staff members went about their duties without caution.

The use of face mask was partly adhered to as most of the staff members and security personnel complied. The case was not so with members of the public who thronged the offices.

Voting materials were distributed to assigned officers in the different polling stations around 5:30pm.

Security personnel also mounted strategic places across Esan central and Esan west local government areas.