•Govt. assures of security, urges voters to turn out en masse

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a template for the conduct of today’s supplementary election in Ihiala.

The supplementary election was announced on Sunday, November 7, 2021, by the State Collation/Returning Officer, Prof. Florence Obi, in line with INEC’s extant rules and regulations.

A statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye (Esq), on Monday said that election would kick off at 10a.m and end at 4p.m.

Okoye said the decision, which would be strictly complied with, has been taken following a careful review of the prevailing situation in Anambra state and is being widely shared with the stakeholders, including security agencies.

The statement reads in part: “We urge political parties, voters, election duty officials, election observers, the media and the general public to note this slight modification.

“We also appeal to citizens to conduct themselves in an orderly manner to ensure that the election is brought to a peaceful conclusion.”

Meanwhile, Anambra State Government has urged the people of Ihiala to turn out en masse to cast their votes today (Tuesday, November 9, 2021), assuring them of adequate security.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, said, in a statement on Monday, that the state government has made adequate arrangement to ensure security of lives and property.

The statement read: “This is to inform the public, particularly residents and voters in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Tuesday, 9th November, 2021, as the date for the 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial supplementary election for Ihiala Local Government Area only.

“Anambra State government, working with relevant security agencies, hereby assure Ndi Ihiala that adequate security arrangements have been made to protect lives and property during the election. All are encouraged to come out and vote for the candidate of their choice.

“As Ndi Ihiala may have observed, elections were successfully and peacefully held in the other 20 local government areas of Anambra state and INEC has duly announced the results.

“No incidence of violence or voter molestation was recorded in the Anambra gubernatorial election which held on Saturday, 6th November, 2021.

“As a reminder, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had previously cancelled the sit-at-home order earlier announced and encouraged Ndi Anambra to come out and vote. Anambra will continue to remain the light of the nation.”

INEC had, on Sunday, declared the Anambra governorship election inconclusive, following its inability to deploy its staff members to Ihiala local government area.

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