Fire Razes INEC Office In Akwa Ibom State

 

INEC Office In Essien Udim LGA, Of Akwa Ibom State, Gutted By Fire.

The office of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Essien Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state has been gutted by fire.

Festus Okoye 

Festus Okoye the Chairman of the commission's Information and Voter Education Committee while confirmed the incident via a statement said he received a report in the early hours of the morning from Mike Igini INEC resident electoral Commissioner for the state.

Okoye expressed disappointment over the recent attack on the INEC recently after the conclusion of inventory of materials regretting that such incident is occurring as the commissioner is focusing and preparing for the general elections in 2023 

He said,

“ Our security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive,” the statement partly read.

“Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture.

“The police, which have also been battling with attacks on its facilities and personnel in the area, is aware of the incident and has commenced an investigation.”

MediaOrchid recalls that the newly constructed prototype LGA office in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down on the evening of the 2019 elections. Also, 2 INEC offices in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo LGAs were bombed.

Okoye speaking further said,

 “If unchecked, these attacks may constitute a setback on the Commission’s preparations, including the ongoing conversion of Voting Points to Polling Units, the forthcoming Continuous Registration of Voters (CVR) exercise and the conduct of polls.

“Nevertheless, the Commission wishes to assure Nigerians that we will leave no stone unturned to recover from the  incident in Akwa Ibom State as we continue to prepare for all electoral activities.”