By Jude Opara
Hoodlums suspected to be political thugs have reportedly snatched ballot papers meant to be used for local government elections in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo state.
It was gathered that the ballot papers were hijacked by the hoodlums in the early hours of Friday.
The ballot papers are to be used in the local government election slated for Saturday.
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, was conducted the election in all the 33 local government areas in the state yesterday.
A source noted that the snatched ballot papers have been recovered from the suspects.
He added that about 14 suspects have been arrested.
The source who bagged not to be named, also revealed that the affected ballot papers have been taken back to Ibadan.
OYSIEC Chairman, Isiaka Olagunju, when contacted, confirmed the attack on electoral officials.
He, however, said that no ballot paper was snatched.
Olagunju, in a telephone conversation with DAILY POST on Friday, maintained that the Divisional Police Officer in the town has been mandated to arrest the suspects.
“That is not true. The fact is that there was an attack on our officials last night.
“Our officials were attacked at our office at Okeho. No ballot paper was snatched.
“In fact, the DPO of Okeho and other security agencies followed our EO to come back to Ibadan. They just went back to Okeho now. And we have directed the DPO of Okeho to arrest the suspects. That is what happened.”
Addressing newsmen recently, the Senator explained that he did all he could to stop the immediate past governor from placing the state under undue indebtedness.
He explained, “What more would I tell them? I have said all I needed to say. While in office I warned the Kaduna State government against taking loans and even blocked access to such loans.
“Former Governor Nasiru El-Rufai fought me on this, insulted me because of this and even cursed me. I told him then that time will reveal who truly loves the people of Kaduna between myself and him.
“Today he is no longer in power and those he put in place are now condemning his funds’ misappropriation, as well as the loans they secured.”
Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani had complained of his inability to pay workers’ salaries due to the debt burden of $350 million, second only to Lagos State in Nigeria, left behind by his predecessor, El-Rufai.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly has since initiated a probe into the funds.
Sani had called for an independent probe of the former administration.
Bature, who spoke with newsmen after Friday’s inauguration at Old Government House, Jos, said: “I received it as a shocking development for the Plateau Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang to compel nine APC state lawmakers to succumb to the swearing-in ceremony that only represented flagrant abuse of democratic tents and principles.”
It would be recalled that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, had sworn in nine out of 16 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers.
The nine members sworn in are: Hon Yusuf Dickson Chollom of Barkin Ladi constituency; Hon Abdul Adamu of Mangu North; Daniel Nanbol Lipstick of Langtang North central; Hon Denti Laven Jacob of Pankshin South; Hon Abel Nansak of Langtang North; Hon Bendel Nanchuat of Langtang South; Hon Wallangko Sylvester Ibrahim of Bokkos; Kwarpo Mathew Sylvanus of Mangu South and Hon Eli Bako Ankala Rukuba.
Ankala Isa Madaki Ajiji representing Jos East was elected as Deputy Speaker.
Bature insisted the remaining of the seven lawmakers must be sworn in to complete the 16.
According to him: “In the face of this undemocratic and unconstitutional development, I made two strong demands, that all the 16 APC lawmakers must be sworn in. Secondly, all the 17 elected local government chairmen must be returned to their seats to function as democratically elected LGA chairmen. This is because the Supreme Court has already declared their dissolution from office as null and void.
“I therefore appeal to all people of conscience to compel the Speaker and Gov Caleb Mutfwang to tow the democratic path by ensuring all the democratic structures function without hindrances”
After the inauguration of nine of the 16 APC Assembly members on Friday, Speaker Gabriel Dewan said: “There is no saga in this House and for those who believe there is a saga, all that we are waiting for is for the due process to be followed. I was told that nine members have met the criteria and I have done my part by inaugurating them.”
