Akwa Ibom INEC Office Set Ablaze By Unknown Hoodlums (Photos)

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announces few hours ago on their official twitter handle that INEC Local Government Office in Akwa Ibom as been set ablaze.

INEC released a press statement to that effect, which reads ;

"INEC LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OFFICE IN AKWA IBOM STATE SET ABLAZE.

The Residential Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Mike Igini has reported that our office in Essien Udim Local Government Area has been set ablaze.

The incident occured in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 2nd May 2021. Our security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was eccessive. Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture.

The police, which has also been battling with attacks on it's facilities and personel in the area, is aware of the incident and has commenced investigation.

It will be recalled that on the eve of the 2019 General Election, our newly constructed prototype LGA offic in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down while two more offices in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obodo LGAs were bombed.

The recent attack on our facility after we have just concluded the inventory of electoral materials nationwide in readiness for the 2023 General election is worrisome. 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  Continous Registeration of Voters (CRV) 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."

signed :

Festus Okoye Esq

National Commisioner & Chairman

Information and Voter Education Committee

Sunday 2nd, May 2021

More pics after cut...