Visitors, including journalists, were denied entry into the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday in Abuja.
The move, which came as a shock to most journalists, who had valid identification cards was attributed to “orders from above.”
Security officials were overheard saying they had instructions to act without “fear” or “favour” in restricting the movement of persons seeking entry into the INEC headquarters following the heightened state of insecurity in the country.
A policeman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “My brother, it is not our fault; you know the situation in the country.
“Our instructions are not to allow anybody, whose name was not submitted to us access into the complex. We only follow orders, I am sure you understand.”
Under the new arrangement, members of staff of the commission are expected to submit names of their guests at the security post every morning before such persons can be cleared for entry.
When contacted, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Umenger, apologised for the mix-up and directed his deputy to write a memo to the security personnel at the gate to permit accredited journalists entry.
“I have directed my deputy to write a memo attaching a list of all accredited journalists covering INEC to ease access.”
He explained that the commission valued the media as partners in progress and would, as usual, ensure that practitioners perform their functions without let or hindrance.