The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has requested 24,000 security personnel to enable it to conduct the November 6 governorship election in Anambra state.
This is amid online threats by proponents of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who continue to push for and work towards the cancellation of the Anambra 2021 election slated for next month.
Per Punch on Friday, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Nwachukwu Orji, made the request during a one-day sensitization workshop on political broadcast organised by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
According to him, 26,000 ad hoc staff with 24,000 security personnel were needed to conduct the election.
While stressing the importance of a knowledgeable electorate in terms of civic education and enlightenment, Orji said the commission was battling to overcome escalating security challenges posed by secessionist agitators, gunmen and COVID-19 pandemic.
Recall POLITICS NIGERIA had reported that on Tuesday, Dr Chike Akunyili, widower of the late Minister of Information and erstwhile Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Dora Akunyili, was killed by hoodlums who were reportedly shouting: “No election in Anambra in November.” People in his convoy too we’re not spared.
