By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday said that in order to meet the recent surge by new registrants, the Commission has created additional 25 centres in Anambra State.

It said that the new centres now brings the total number of centres in the state to 87.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, stated this in a press conference at the commission’s headquarters in Awka.

According to him, the staff of the commission who were reported to have been involved in bribery were being investigated, while others have been removed.

Orji also said that the commission has reorganized its operational procedure by separating people seeking biometric services from those that require non-biometric services.

The REC said, “I am pleased to announce that the commission has created additional 25 registration centres in Anambra State, and that they commenced operation by 9.00 am today (Tuesday).

“The additional centres bring the total number of centres in Anambra State to 87.

“We have reopened some LGA offices that were shut down as a result of insecurity. Specifically, on Tuesday, 7 June 2022, the Idemili North LGA Office was reopened. Today, 14 June 2022, we have resumed registration exercise in Ogbaru and Ayamelum LGAs.

“The commission has reorganized its operational procedure by separating people seeking biometric services from those that require non-biometric services.”

Orji explained that biometric services involve fresh registration while non-biometric services include request for PVC replacement, voter transfer, and update.

He added: “Let me restate that those requesting non-biometric services need not to come to the registration centres. These services can be obtained through the commission’s CVR portal. However, we have deployed personnel to assist those who cannot access the online portal at the various registration centres.

“The state office is addressing reports of misconduct by staff of the Commission. To bolster public confidence in the commission, the two registration officers accused of misconduct in Nnewi North LGA have been replaced, while investigation of the matter continues.”

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