Prof Mahmood Yakubu flanked by the State Commissioner of Police and other officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, addressing the audience at the interactive meeting in Awka ahead of Anambra’s election. Photo: Uche Ndeke
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu says the Anambra governorship election slated for November 6 will hold as scheduled.
The INEC Chairman stated this during an interactive meeting with Heads of Security Agencies in the state at the commission’s headquarters in Awka, Anambra State capital.
According to him, the Commission has put in place, all necessary arrangements to ensure the election holds as scheduled. He also noted that security agencies in the state have made adequate arrangements.
Prof Mahmood gave an assurance that the election will be free, fair and credible as well as peaceful based on assurances from the security agencies.
On the issue of availability of permanent voters for new registrants, as well as the replacement of voters cards, the INEC Boss said all cards have been printed and delivered to the 21 local government areas.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr Echeng Echeng said 2 Deputy Inspector Generals (DIG), 5 Assistant Inspector Generals (AIG) as well as Commissioners of Police to take care of all the 21 local government areas were already on ground.
He added that other security agencies including the DSS, ARMY, NAVY, FRSC, NSCDC, and IMMIGRATION have also deployed their men to strategic positions around the state.
The Commissioner of Police hinted that the command intends to have a lockdown on Thursday night to enable them to regulate entry into the state during the election.
Mr Echeng called on the people of the state to report security bridges or other issues as joint patrol teams are on the ground to guarantee the safety of life and property during and after the Saturday gubernatorial election.
8 Resident Electoral Commissioners including that of Anambra State, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, and Supervising National Commissioner, Mr Festus Okoye as well as heads of other security agencies in the state were part of the meeting with the INEC chairman.
Reporting by Uche Ndeke; editing by Muzha Kucha