The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday presented cheques to the next of kin of police officers who died in a boat mishap that occurred during the Bayelsa Central and West Senatorial Districts’ bye elections, held on December 5, 2020.
The beneficiaries were handed the cheques at the INEC Bayelsa State office, Yenegoa by the resident electoral commissioner Emmanuel Alex-Hart who represented INEC chairman.
The gesture is in line with the commission’s insurance policy for staff, adhoc staff and other personnel engaged for the conduct of elections and who, in the discharge of their duties sustained injuries, permanent disability or died.
The beneficiaries include Anthony Paul (son and next-of-Kin of Florence Nbaane); Ezinwa Amaechi (husband and next-of-kin of Ezinwa Juliana; and Victoria Edet (wife and next-of-kin of Daniel Edet).
Mr Paul, who spoke on behalf of the others, thanked the commission for giving a “thoughtful condolence package” to their families.
Expressing the commission’s sympathy to the families of the deceased, Alex-Hart appreciated them for honouring the invitation and staying strong in spite of the challenges they have faced as a result of their loss.
Those who witnessed the event include the administrative secretary Okop Umobong, and heads of department. The Nigeria Police Force was represented by assistant commissioner of police (admin), Emmanuel Asufi, and some senior police officers.
After the presentation, Mr Asufi thanked INEC on behalf of the inspector general of police and commissioner of police, Bayelsa State for the kind gesture, describing it as a great encouragement “that will greatly strengthen the Commission’s relationship with the Nigeria Police Force.”
