GUBER POLL: Abia govt raises alarm over alleged plans to set INEC offices ablaze again

The government of Abia State has raised the alarm over alleged plans to hire political thugs to raze offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the state ahead of next weekend’s governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

Recall that supected hoodlums had, prior to the presidential and National Assembly elections, burnt down INEC office in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state.

A statement released on Friday night by the the state Commissioner for Information, Chief John Kalu, said six local government areas were the target of the political thugs, including Obingwa, Ugwunagbo, Isiala Ngwa South, Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Osisioma.

He called on security agents, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to beef up security in the highlighted areas to ensure that the facilities were given maximum protection before, during and after the elections.

Okiyi said, “Abia State government has uncovered plots by some hoodlums hired by desperate political actors to burn down Independent National Electoral Commission facilities in Obingwa, Ugwunagbo, Isiala Ngwa South, Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Osisioma Local Government Areas of the State.

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“We wish to call on all those involved in the dastardly plot to desist from such nefarious activities even as we urge our youths not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate such a heinous crime.

“Security agencies in the state, especially the Nigeria Police Force, are hereby called upon to ensure that the targeted facilities and others in the state are adequately protected before, during and after the remaining elections.”

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