Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says it is optimistic that the November 11, governorship election in Imo State would be conducted under improved security atmosphere to enable the people exercise their franchise.
At a news briefing in Owerri, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sylvia Agu, said the commission had continued to receive assurances from engagements it held with various security agencies.
She said preparations were on top gear to ensure that the off-cycle election which is the first time it is being organised in Imo State met the expectation of the people.
Professor Agu expressed worry over low turnout in the collection of permanent voter’s card especially when the commission had made efforts to reach the owners of the cards directly through their mobile phone lines.
She, therefore, appealed to owners to visit INEC offices in their local government areas and other designated centres for collection.
The REC however, noted that people from the troubled area of Orsu Local Government would visit the INEC headquarters in Owerri for collection of the voter’s cards.
Professor Agu explained that personnel of the commission had been re-trained to equip them for the task ahead adding that the commission will soon build the capacities of presiding officers and other personnel in due course.
