INEC demands 24,000 security personnel for Anambra polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission has requested 24,000 security personnel to enable it to conduct the November 6 governorship election in the state.

It was learnt that the request may not be unconnected with the growing insecurity in the state and the South-East in general.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Nwachukwu Orji, made the request during a one-day sensitization workshop on political broadcast organised by the   National Broadcasting Commission in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

He said 26,000 ad hoc staff with 24,000 security personnel were needed to conduct the election.

While stressing the importance of a knowledgeable electorate in terms of civic education and enlightenment, Orji said the commission was battling to overcome escalating security challenges posed by secessionist agitators, gunmen and COVID-19 pandemic.

It was reported that on Monday, Dr Chike Akunyili, widower of the late Minister of Information, Prof Dora Akunyili, was killed by hoodlums who were reportedly shouting: “No election in Anambra in November.”

The NBC at the workshop called on key players in the broadcast industry and other stakeholders to be cautious of their editorial contents and play their role creditably in the poll.

Director-General of the Commission, Malam Balarabe Ilelah stated this through the Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Mrs Franca Aiyetan, said it considered it necessary to remind stations and stakeholders to ensure ethical broadcast during the electoral process.

He said, “I wish to remind broadcasting stations who will be reporting the Anambra State gubernatorial elections to do so in conformity with the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, especially the provisions relating to political broadcast and election coverage.”