The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that elections will hold in the Southeast despite the renewed attack on its facility in Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra state.
Suspected arsonists, on Wednesday, razed down the office of the INEC in Idemili South LGA of Anambra state.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Barrister Festus Okoye, confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.
The statement read, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, reported that our office in Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA) was attacked and set ablaze by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, Wednesday, 1st February 2023.
“The building was substantially damaged. All furniture and other items were destroyed, including non-sensitive materials recently delivered in readiness for the 2023 General Election.
“Among the items lost to the inferno are 729 ballot boxes, 243 voting cubicles, 256 election bags, 11 megaphones, 1 electric power generator and large quantities of indelible ink and liquid gum.
“However, uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) kept in the fireproof cabinet were not affected by the inferno. Similarly, no sensitive materials have been delivered to the LGA office.
“The destruction appears to have been coordinated as the Nnobi Police Station in the LGA was similarly attacked.
“Despite this despicable incident, the Commission wishes to reassure the people of Idemili South LGA that contingency arrangements will be made to replace the materials and the Presidential and National Assembly elections will proceed on 25th February 2023, as scheduled, to be followed two weeks later by the State House of Assembly election.”