The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reacted to the most recent attack on its facility in Anambra State.
The INEC office in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State was attacked and set ablaze by unknown gunmen on Wednesday.
A report released by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu indicated that the building was substantially damaged with all furniture and other items destroyed, including non-sensitive materials.
729 ballot boxes, 243 voting cubicles, 256 election bags, 11 megaphones, 1 electric power generator and large quantities of indelible ink and liquid gum were some of the items destroyed by the fire.
The report, however, said the uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) were not touched because they were kept in the fireproof cabinet.
A statement by Festus Okoye, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee said the destruction appears to have been coordinated as the Nnobi Police Station in the LGA was similarly attacked.
INEC says it wishes to reassure the people of the affected Local Government Area that contingency arrangements will be made to replace the destroyed items.
The Commission vowed that nothing will stop the Presidential and National Assembly elections from proceeding on 25th February 2023 as scheduled