The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has
insisted on conducting the Anambra State governorship election on the earlier
date of November 6 despite threats from the proscribed Indigenous People of
Biafra, IPOB to halt the exercise.
The secessionist group had vowed that the election would not
hold owing to the refusal of the Federal Government to release its leader, Mazi
Nnamdi Knau who is currently in the custody of the Department of State
Services, DSS in Abuja.
The threat has triggered fear among residents of the state
as unknown gunmen who are alleged to be the members of the Eastern Security
Network, ESN, a security wing of the IPOB continue to wreak havoc in Anambra
and other parts of the region, leading to suspension of campaigns by some top
political officials.
Following the security situation in the state, INEC on
Tuesday had an emergency Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election
Security meeting to deliberate on the matter.
Speaking during the meeting, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood
Yakubu, insisted that the election would not be postponed due to the security
situation.
“Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated markedly
since our last meeting. Many innocent persons have been killed and property
destroyed.
“From the reports, we have received, the stated goal of many
of the assailants is that the governorship election scheduled for 6 November
2021 must not hold.
“This is worrisome for the commission. We are deeply
concerned that specific electoral facilities and materials could once more
become targets of attack. Recall that in May this year, our State Office at
Awka was attacked and all the non-sensitive materials assembled for the
election at the time were destroyed.
“In addition, our store, collation centre and the main
office building were either totally or substantially damaged. The Commission
also lost several vehicles to be used for the election.
“To underscore this determination, the commission is
implementing two more activities on the Timetable for the election in the next
few days. The register of voters will be presented to political parties in Awka
on Thursday 7 October 2021. On the same day, the commission will publish the
final list of candidates for the election,” he said.
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