WE ARE READY FOR CREDIBLE STATE ASSEMBLY POLL — ANAMBRA REC

REPORTER: ALFRED AJAYI

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it is ready to conduct free, fair, credible and peaceful state assembly election in Anambra State on Saturday.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in charge of the state, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, gave the assurance in a news conference ahead of the election.

According to Dr. Agwu, all the sensitive materials had been distributed while adequate logistics arrangements had been put in place to ensure early commencement of the exercise in all the 5,720 polling units across the state.

“INEC is ready for the election on Saturday. We will ensure that materials are deployed early on Saturday to various polling units.

“But, we urge our people, especially politicians and their supporters, to contribute their quota to make the election peaceful, credible, free and fair,” she advised.

The REC assured the people that INEC would be an impartial umpire and would ensure that every vote cast counted.

She warned against any form of vote trading, bribery and campaign at the polling units, noting that security agents had been briefed to arrest defaulters.

“We are out for a peaceful process. But, I assure you that every trouble maker will not go scot-free. I advise that you stay out of trouble in your own interest,” she said.

According to the REC the only weapon which the Electoral Act permits eligible citizens to bear on election day is the permanent voter’s card.

“The gun we fight with at the polling units is the PVC. Do not cause trouble at your polling units. If you do, we will make sure you blame yourself,” Dr. Agwu warned.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU