By Kamsi Anayo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed doubts over the possibility of conducting elections in some parts of Anambra State in the 2023 general polls as gunmen continue to wreak havoc in the state.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen-Elizabeth Agwu, expressed the concern in a meeting with stakeholders on Thursday at the INEC Secretariat in Awka, the state capital.
She asked the stakeholders rhetorically: ” Do you think elections will be held in those communities because of their current volatile state?”
The volatile areas, our correspondent gathered, are in about seven Local Government Areas of the Anambra South Senatorial District.
The purpose of the Thursday’s meeting was about voter education and a review of the security situation in the state ahead of next year’s general elections.
During the meeting, some stakeholders reported that gunmen some days back set ablaze buildings belonging to prominent individuals in the area, including a traditional ruler’s house.
The President General, Osumoghu community in Nnewi South , Dennis Muomaife, who attended the stakeholders’ meeting told the audience that two of his buildings were burnt two weeks ago by unknown persons.
He said, “Not only that, the house of the traditional ruler of the community and that of the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly representing Ihiala 2 Constituency were equally set ablaze.
Muomaife, however said his community had set up a peace and Reconciliation Committee in making sure that such issues were tackled in immediately adding, “we’re really doing something.”
Addressing the stakeholders, the REC (Queen-Elizabeth) said it was high time the youth in Anambra State took possession of their land and rid it of criminal elements.
She said the insecurity in Igboland was caused by indigenes and not imported persons.
She stressed “we are determined to hold 2023 election, and must be credible and the votes must count “
“This is the time for the youth to rise up in different communities to protect their people. We have prepared for the elections with materials and men. What we need from communities is to collect their Permanent Voters Cards PVCs and security. None sensible materials have been distributed already.
“Anything done that will make elections not successful in Anambra South should be resisted.
“I’m relying on the presidents-general in all the communities and traditional rulers to secure their areas during the elections. Let us avoid suppressing ourselves .” She said
