Izuchukwu Okosi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct a smooth General elections in 2023 despite the security issues across the country occasioned by growing attack on INEC facilities and killings of its staff.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelResident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers state, Obo Effanghs, in his response to the preparedness of the election arbitar on Arise TV’s The Morning Show Friday morning acknowledged that there are a number of security challenges faced by the Commission but assured that the country will hold a credible election.
“I think the first thing we need to accept is that elections in a democracy is a norm so the only way you can have people elected into government is to conduct elections and that is what INEC is set out to do,” Effangha told The Morning Show crew as monitored by Prime Business Africa.
“We are going to play our own part and do what is expected of us to do. Sometimes there will be challenges in doing these but we are focused in conducting these elections in 2023,” Effangha reiterated.
“We are conscious of the fact that there are security challenges in different parts of the country and we know there are people who have the responsibilities to handle security situations so we are focused and prepared to conduct the elections and hoping that other security agencies will help us to ensure that we conduct successful elections.
On the confidence of the INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu who is reassuringtjat the 2023 Elections will hold on the face of security glitches, Effangha offered to reflect the thoughts of his Principal.
“I think that is what the INEC Chairman meant when he said the elections will go on to ensure peaceful conduct of the polls,” the Rivers Resident INEC Commissioner stressed.
On the attacks on INEC facilities in the South East especially in Imo and Anambra states and parts of the North Central, Effangha added:
“Just like any other Nigerian, I’m concerned but it’d sad that people attack INEC officials doing their legitimate as enshrined by the law but we are liaising with security agencies so that our facilities and personnel are protected.
“We conducted elections recently in Anambra state and by-election in Imo state and we are worried because issue of insecurity is not only about INEC staff but every other person who is participating in the elections.
“Their lives are also at risk. It is something that is of concern and we are calling in the security agencies to do their best to ensure there is security,” he concluded.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
