…indicts security agents, party agents in vote buying, selling

By O’star Eze

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy, CTA, has described the November 6, 2021 Anambra State Governorship election as “free, fair and credible while commending the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for demonstrating “its capacity to incrementally improve the election management process in the country.” CTA however observed that security agents were accomplices to vote buying and selling that occurred in several polling units.

Speaking to newsroom at their situation room in Awka after the conduct of elections, the Executive Director of the group, Princess Faith Nwadishi stated that the extension of voting time to 4pm by INEC due to the malfunction of the BVAS, to ensure voters were not disenfranchised was commendable. She however enjoined INEC to find out why the BVAS malfunctioned and take steps to improve its performance in subsequent elections.

Nwadishi, on the issue of vote buying incidence and security agents’ involvement, said;

“It must be pointed out that our observers reported that to ensure that security personnel at the booths did not disturb their vote buying, provisions were made for them (Security Agents) and they received money and allowed the crime to go on freely.

“At Awka Ward 7, PU 001 and 002 the security personnel (Police and Civil Defence) were called together and given money which they received and shared peacefully.

“ However, at Ward 01, Agu Awka, PU 008 Arroma junction 1, quarrel ensued nearing fisticuffs between the Police and Civil Defence personnel on the sharing formula. Indeed, it was a very embarrassing sight.”

She however praised the security personnel at checkpoints who “were discharging their duties professionally,” adding that the security personnel arrived the various polling units on time.
The CTA chief also lauded Anambra electorate for their “courage and determination in turning out enmasse despite all odds to exercise their franchise.”

It would be recalled that the collation of results held on Sunday during which the election was declared inconclusive as the Ihiala process was scheduled for a rerun come Tuesday, November 9, 2021.