Yemisi Izuora
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it will not be deterred by any form of threat and intimidation vowing to proceed with the Governorship elections as scheduled in Anambra State.
Addressing the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee On Election Security, ICCES, on Monday in Abuja, Chairman of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, said the Commission has successfully accomplished 12 out of the 14 activities listed in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election released in January this year. The two outstanding activities are the last day of campaign, at midnight on Thursday 4th November 2021 and Election Day which remains Saturday 6th November 2021.
INEC, said Yakubu, is determined to proceed with the Anambra State Governorship election as scheduled.
“The safety and protection of voters, our personnel, accredited observers, the media and materials are cardinal considerations in any election. We have been assured by the security agencies of a secure environment for the election.
I am sure the CP Anambra State in his briefing, will provide more details regarding preparations on the ground. I wish to place on record the continued support of security agencies to the Commission during elections.
“Particularly noteworthy is the high level of professional conduct of the agencies in the last two major elections in Edo and Ondo States.
“Indeed, Edo and Ondo have become the standard for securing elections in Nigeria. The professionalism and neutrality exhibited by the security agencies in the two elections have been widely praised nationally and internationally. We are confident that this will be replicated in Anambra State.”
He expressed his profound gratitude for the support the Commission has received from religious, traditional and community leaders for peaceful elections.
The Commission he said further is also working with the National Peace Committee under the leadership of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar to bring all political parties and candidates for the Anambra State Governorship election to commit to peace before, during and after the elections. “We appreciate this wide-ranging support and I wish to reassure the registered voters in Anambra State that the choice of the next Governor lies in their hands. I urge all and sundry to play their part in ensuring a free, fair, credible and peaceful Governorship election in Anambra State.”