The Anambra State Police Command and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have jointly affirmed their readiness to conduct the forthcoming senatorial bye-election scheduled for August 16 and the governorship election set for November 8 in Anambra State.
In separate interviews held on Monday in Awka, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, and the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Agwu, expressed confidence in the security arrangements and electoral preparations. Orutugu highlighted the collaborative efforts between the police, other security agencies, and INEC to ensure smooth elections. He stated, “I am the chairman, Anambra State Security Committee. All the security agencies meet regularly to analyse the security situation and plan ahead. Recently, we have been meeting with the INEC to fine-tune plans for the election; therefore, we are fully prepared for the elections.”
The Police Commissioner praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for their support in securing the state, calling for continued backing to enhance the effectiveness of security personnel.
On her part, Elizabeth Agwu confirmed that INEC is ready for the elections and clarified that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise beginning July 8 is exclusively for the governorship election, not the senatorial bye-election. She explained, “Fresh registration must be done physically at INEC designated office, while data revalidation or corrections can be done online. The commission will not register anybody in absentia.”
Agwu added that the CVR will run daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm starting July 17 and urged eligible voters to register or update their details. She also revealed that 300 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) scanners have been configured for the governorship election, with NYSC corps members deployed as ad hoc staff.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner emphasized that INEC is not collecting any fees for registration and warned against paying anyone for voter registration. She assured that security personnel from across the country will be deployed to guarantee safety during the elections, encouraging citizens to participate without fear.
Okay.ng reports that both security and electoral bodies are working closely to prevent any security breaches and ensure the elections are conducted transparently and peacefully.
