Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), protested outside the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) after the apex bank barred party chairmen and journalists from monitoring the collection and distribution of sensitive materials for the upcoming presidential election.
The INEC REC arrived at the CBN on Wednesday around 9:35 a.m., accompanied by party chairmen and journalists, but were denied access by security personnel from the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and others stationed at the gate, with the exception of INEC officials.
The CBN’s denial was based on a directive from its headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking angrily, Agboke said:
we have already discussed how we are going to do all these during our security meetings. We have all agreed that we will be open to all but with this your action of barring journalists and party chairmen, it is not a welcome idea.
Before Nigerians start to think that we are the problem, we must correct this decision of barring journalists and party chairmen.
He later entered CBN’s premises with other staff, but journalists and party chairpersons were denied access to inspect the collection and distribution of sensitive materials.