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Arsonists have razed the office of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State,
The incident occurred in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 2nd May 2021. Our security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive. Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture,
Barrister Festus Okoye, INEC National commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee said in a statement he signed in Abuja.
He said,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”.
He added:”Coming at a time when the commission has concluded nationwide inventory of its request for the 2023, Okoye said the development of not brought under quick control, will hamper the preparations for 2023 as well as the forthcoming Continuous Voters Register (CVR) .
“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.
He expressed serious concerns over the setting ablaze of the office in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, early morning Sunday, by yet a to be identified assailants, alerting that the trend, if unchecked, may constitute a huge setback to its preparation for the 2023 general general elections.
The Commission has however assured Nigerians that we will not be deterred by the incident in Akwa Ibom State as it will continue to prepare for all electoral activities.
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