— Commences movement of Non- Sensitive materials to Anambra
By Ezeocha Nzeh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally published the names of Valentine Ozigbo and Lilian Azuka Enemo as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively for the November 6 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, in compliance with Court of Appeal (Awka Division) order to that effect.
Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee made the disclosure in a statement he issued Thursday in Abuja.
The commission had earlier left the position of PDP vacant, in the list of political party’s candidates, following several court orders.
But the Court had recently ordered the Commission to recognize and publish the name of Valentine Ozigbo as the governorship candidate, hence the publication.
The Commission is however expected to publish final list of candidates for the election on October 7, 2021 as provided for in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
INEC also stated that, the it has commenced movement of non sensitive materials from its South East zonal stores in Owerri to Anambra State ahead of the election.
The materials were taken to Owerri following last years attack on INEC headquarters at Awka, Anambra state capital which caused extensive damage to its physical facility and other moveable materials.
The damaged material included about 50% of the non-sensitive materials already delivered for the election.
The Commission said it has started the replacement of these nonsensitive materials pending the completion of the physical structure later this month in order to meet deadlines.
“For clarity, the non-sensitive materials are the non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 items such as hand sanitizers and face masks, envelopes, posters, stickers, cellotapes, scissors, liquid gum and other stationery items required mainly at the polling unit level”.
The Commission expressed its satisfied with ongoing work at its Awka Office which is expected to be completed this month to enable the distribution of materials to wards and LGAs in the state end of this month.
“The Commission is now in a position to operate from our office in Awka, where the batching and distribution of all non-sensitive materials will take place.
“We appeal to all stakeholders to continue to cooperate with the Commission for a transparent and credible election in Anambra State.” Okoye stated.
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