The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has expressed fears that attacks on it’s facilities across the Nation if left unchecked may constitute setback to its preparation for the 2023 General Elections.
This is as a signed statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education, Barr. Festus Okoye indicates that it’s office in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state was set ablaze early hours of Sunday,2nd May, 2021.
Okoye stated that while the security guard on duty escaped unhurt, destruction on the building and properties was extensive with Items including 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture lost to the inferno.
“The police, which has also been battling with attacks on its facilities and personnel in the area, is aware of the incident and has commenced investigation”.
It will be recalled that on the eve of the 2019 General Election, our newly constructed prototype LGA office in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down while two more offices in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo LGAs were bombed.
The statement further read, “the recent attack on our facility after we have just concluded the inventory of electoral materials nationwide in readiness for the 2023 General Election is worrisome. If unchecked, these attacks may constitute a setback on the Commission’s preparations, including the ongoing conversion of Voting Points to Polling Units, the forthcoming Continuous Registration of Voters (CVR) exercise and the conduct of polls”.
Okoye however assured Nigerians that the Commission would leave no stone unturned to recover from the incident as well as continue to prepare for all electoral activities.
