INEC restores facilities hoodlums destroyed in Enugu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has restored the facilities destroyed by gunmen in various local government areas in Enugu State in readiness for the 2023 general elections.

In the last one year, INEC offices in seven local government areas were razed by gunmen, frustrating pre-election activities in the areas.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC), Dr. Chukwuemeka Joseph Chukwu, said the commission had since renovated the buildings and provided all the equipment necessary for the success of the 2023 elections in the affected areas.

“I want to tell you that I just signed the completion form for two of our LGA offices for one or two contractors.

“In Enugu State, we are reconstructing six local government offices of the INEC. They include Udenu, Nsukka, Oji River, Awgu, Ezeagu, Nkanu East and the rest of them. We have six of them and the seventh one is on the pipeline,” the REC said.

He added: “We have it in these categories: major and minor. Already, we have signed two. Within a week or two, others could be ready, except one local government area that was attacked few months ago. Before mid January, that office will be ready”.

Chukwu said that the commission is now using community partnership to protect INEC offices and officials in state.

“I have had meeting with traditional rulers and community leaders as well as stakeholders last week. The meeting centered on the sharing of the PVCs. Remember that the people sharing the PVCs are INEC officials. They need protection too.

“I’m happy the kind of assurance that I have received from community leaders and stakeholders regarding the security of INEC facilities and officials.


“That notwithstanding, we have also secured the assurance of the state commissioner of police, the DSS and the garrison commander to assist in securing our equipment and personnel.

“So, we are very upbeat about having hitch free elections in 2023. I want to assure the people of Enugu State that we will ensure free, fair and credible election in 2023,” he said.