As preparations intensify for the August 16 senatorial by-election and the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, both the Anambra State Police Command and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have expressed their readiness to ensure the successful conduct of the polls.
Speaking separately in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Awka, the state capital, Commissioner of Police (CP), Ikioye Orutugu, and INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, provided updates on their respective agencies’ levels of preparedness.
Commissioner Orutugu disclosed that the police have been holding regular strategic meetings with INEC and other security agencies under the umbrella of the Anambra State Security Committee, which he chairs.
These engagements, he said, are focused on reviewing the current security landscape and proactively addressing any emerging threats to ensure hitch-free elections.
“We are fully prepared for both elections. Recently, we have intensified meetings with INEC to fine-tune our security strategy,” the CP said.
He added that the collaboration with sister security agencies would ensure maintenance of law and order before, during, and after the elections.
The Commissioner lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for the ongoing support towards strengthening security in the state. However, he also appealed for increased support to enhance the operational capacity of the police personnel.
On her part, INEC REC Dr. Elizabeth Agwu reaffirmed the commission’s readiness, noting that all logistical and administrative arrangements for the elections were on track.
She emphasized that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise set to commence on July 8 is solely for the November 8 governorship election and not for the August 16 senatorial by-election.
She urged eligible voters to participate actively in the CVR, whether to register afresh or to correct existing voter information.
According to her: “Fresh registration must be done physically at INEC-designated centres. However, those who wish to correct or update their information can do so online. No registration will be done by proxy.”
Dr. Agwu warned that registrations outside the approved timeframe would not be accepted. She also disclosed that training for ad hoc staff had been completed, forming part of the broader preparations for the governorship election.
Commenting on the senatorial by-election, Agwu explained that voters will use their existing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for that poll. She further revealed that INEC had already configured 300 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices to ensure seamless voter accreditation during the November governorship election.
“I have personally verified the BVAS machines to confirm their functionality,” she added.
INEC, she said, had finalized arrangements with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the deployment of corps members as ad hoc staff.
The commission has also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various transport unions to handle election logistics.
She stressed that the commission is not collecting any fees from registrants and warned against paying bribes or attempting to register on behalf of others.
“INEC is not charging for voter registration. Do not pay anyone, and do not attempt to register for someone else,” she said.
Agwu further assured the public of adequate security during the elections, stating that security personnel would be deployed from across the country.
“We are working closely with security agencies to prevent any form of disturbance. Please come out and vote without fear,” she encouraged.