BYE-ELECTION: INEC DISTRIBUTES SENSITIVE MATERIALS IN ANAMBRA

REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distributed sensitive materials for the re-run elections in two Federal Constituencies in Anambra State.

The election is for 16 polling units in Nanka to determine the rightful winner for Orumba North and South Federal Constituency as well as five polling units in Nnewi North Local Government Area to ascertain the winner of Nnewi North, South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency.

During the exercise, which took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria Branch in Awka, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Queen- Elizabeth Agwu, said the electoral umpire had put everything in place to ensure that the election is hitch- free.

Dr. Agwu said the sensitive materials, which were received intact and sealed, were opened in the presence of all the stakeholders involved, including party representatives, Electoral Officers, security agencies and the media.

According to the REC, only those who have collected their PVCs will be voting in the election, which will be taking place in 21 polling units.

She said the exercise would commence at 8:30am and end at 2:30pm provided the last person on the queue had voted.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner said INEC had done 50% of the preparation towards the election and woulf move to the two local government areas on Saturday with adhoc staff, BVAS and other non- sensitive materials to conduct the election.

She also noted that proper arrangements had been made for security agents to guarantee safety of all the electorate in the two local government areas even as she encouraged voters to come out and perform their civic responsibility without any fear.

She, however, warned that the use of Point of Sells (POS) machines within the polling units would not be allowed as such act would aid vote buying.

Radio Nigeria observed that all the stakeholders, including representatives of YPP, PDP, APGA and Labor Party who were present during the distribution, confirmed that the materials were complete and expressed their readiness to abide by the rules of the game.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU