The Anambra State Police Command and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have declared their readiness for the upcoming Senatorial bye-election on August 16 and the governorship election on November 8.
Speaking separately to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Awka, the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, and INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, assured residents of smooth polls.
Orutugu revealed that the police are collaborating with other security agencies and INEC to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
“I am the chairman of the Anambra State Security Committee. All security agencies meet regularly to analyse the situation and plan ahead. Recently, we’ve been meeting with INEC to fine-tune election plans. We are fully prepared,” he said.
He thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for their support, while urging for more assistance to enhance operations.
On INEC’s part, Dr. Agwu stated that preparations are in top gear, with the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise starting on July 8 for the governorship election alone, not the senatorial bye-election.
She explained that CVR will run daily from 9am to 3pm until July 17, urging eligible voters to register physically at designated centres or correct their biodata online.
“Fresh registration must be done physically. No registration by proxy. INEC will not accept registrations done outside approved hours,” she warned.
Agwu said training for ad hoc staff had been concluded, and that voters for the bye-election would use their existing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
She added that 300 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) scanners had been configured for the November poll, and corps members will be deployed as ad hoc staff in collaboration with the NYSC.
“INEC is not collecting money from anyone. Do not pay to be registered,” she cautioned.
The REC also assured residents of adequate security, revealing that personnel from across the country will be deployed to ensure peaceful elections.
“Please do not be afraid. Participate fully. We want this election to be better than the last one,” she concluded.
