Connect with us

Politics

INEC warns future elections under threat after attacks on facilities

Published

on

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lamented the recent attacks on its facilities, saying if unchecked, may affect future polls.

This was contained in a statement issued by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, on Sunday, in the wake of a fire attack on the commission’s office in Akwa Ibom.

According to Okoye, this insecurity may affect the ongoing conversion of voting points to polling units, voter registration, and the conduct of future elections.

Ripples Nigeria had earlier reported that the INEC office in Essien Udim Local Government Area was set ablaze at the early hours of Sunday morning.

The security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive.

READ ALSO: INEC fixes date for 2023 elections

“Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks, and office furniture,” Okoye said.

“The police, which have also been battling with attacks on its facilities and personnel in the area, are aware of the incident and have commenced an investigation.”

The national commissioner recalled that on the eve of the 2019 General Election, INEC’s newly constructed prototype LGA office in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down while two more offices in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo LGAs were bombed.

“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 (CRV) and the conduct of polls,” he added.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now