INEC boss warns staff against electoral malpractice in Anambra

CHAIRMAN, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday, warned the Anambra State staff of the commission against involvement in the electoral fraud.

The warning came just as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) called on the electorate to disregard threats by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and turn out to exercise their franchise at the polls.

Yakubu gave the warning when he addressed the staff of the commission at the INEC state headquarters in Awka, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The INEC boss said that anybody caught in electoral malpractice would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“Every INEC worker must ensure that we all achieve our set goal of making Anambra State governorship election flawless and historic,” he said.

Yakubu said that Nigerians and indeed people outside were watching INEC in its resolve to make Anambra State governorship election the best in the history of the commission.

“INEC will be holding two elections in Anambra State on November 18, the governorship election and the state assembly election for Idemili North state constituency. You must discharge your duties diligently.

“There are many people out there working seriously to see that the commission fails in its commitment to recording free, fair and credible election and you must have this in mind.

“INEC will get rid of you if you do the wrong thing, and you are aware that those caught in the web of such negative act during the conduct of 2015 election are still facing the music,” he said.

He said that he had, about one month ago, provided money and other logistics needed for the smooth conduct of the election and advised unit heads to work closely with their subordinates.

“The deployment of materials to local governments will commence on Wednesday this week while the sensitive materials would be shared a day before the election,” he said.

Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, assured the national chairman that staff of the commission was committed to ensuring a hitch-free election.

Also, NOA has called on the state’s electorate to disregard threats by IPOB and turn out en masse to exercise their franchise at the polls.

Director General of NOA, Dr Garba Abari, made the call in the wake of the “vote and die” threat by IPOB and reassured the electorate that security agencies are fully prepared to ensure the safety of voters before, during and after the election.