INEC fires drunk university Prof as collation officer in Plateau

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has relieved Prof. Musa Izam of his responsibility as the collation officer for Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The lecturer who teaches Physical in the University of Jos was said to have absconded but was later apprehended by youths in the area and was returned back to the collation centre.

He reportedly told the party agents and observers that he wanted to ease himself before he took off to Jos.

The Head of Voter Education of INEC, Osaretin Imahiyereobo said the commission had to remove him because he was drunk and “could not perform the assignment.”

Read also: INEC to begin announcement of results Sunday evening

Imahiyereobo said INEC had to act fast to avoid delay in the collation exercise.

The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) chairman in the local government, Michael Abi who shed more light on the incident said it took the effort of youths who chased Izam to return him back to the collation centre.

He said, “The youths chased him and caught up with him at Maikatako near Kuba, about 40 kilometres away from Bokkos.

“When he was brought back to the collation centre, he quickly apologised and promised to continue with his work.

“His attitude is shocking, considering the crucial nature of this assignment.

“He has refused to work and this has delayed the collation and declaration of the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the local government, ’’ he said.

But Izam while explaining the reason for his absence says he only stepped aside to visit a friend. He added that he was misunderstood.

“I only went to visit a friend in town but the people misconstrued the whole thing.

“I only stepped out to go and see a friend along with the Special Adviser to Governor Simon Lalong on Security matters.”

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