By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to various local government areas across Anambra State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8.
The distribution exercise, which took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria branch in Awka on Thursday, November 6, was supervised by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Queen Elizabeth Awgu, amid deployment of security personnel.
The sensitive materials distributed included the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Forms EC8A, and Forms EC8B, which INEC said would be moved to the various Registration Area Centres (RACs).
Present at the venue to monitor the movement of the materials were party agents, representatives of civil society organisations and security operatives.
According to the state REC, the early distribution of materials was part of measures to ensure that the election commenced on schedule across the state.
She said: “People should come out and vote; participate in this election process. Do not stay at home thinking that your vote will not count, and do not assume that your candidate has already won.
“INEC is fully prepared for this election, and we are assuring the people of Anambra State of a credible and peaceful exercise.
“Party agents and security operatives jointly supervised the distribution of sensitive materials to ensure transparency.”
Awgu stressed that INEC had made comprehensive preparations in collaboration with political parties, security agencies and civil society organisations to guarantee a free, fair, transparent and credible process.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Anambra, Abayomi Shogunle, disclosed that the number of security personnel deployed for the poll had been increased from 45,000 to 55,000.
He said the measure is to ensure adequate protection of voters, electoral officials, and election materials across the 21 local government areas.
Shogunle said: “The increase in security personnel is not to intimidate eligible voters but to ensure effective operations and safety at every polling unit. We want to guarantee voters’ confidence in coming out to cast their ballots without fear.
“The number would be increased to 55,000 as against the initial 45,000 personnel. The officers will be drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, Immigration Service, NDLEA, DSS, and other sister agencies. At least three security officers will be deployed to each polling unit across the state.
“We assure the people of Anambra that the election will be free, fair, transparent, and devoid of intimidation. Our collective aim is to ensure the safety of voters, INEC officials, and all stakeholders involved.”
