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Jordan 93.9 FM AbujaJordan 93.9 FM Abuja
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Six days to the Anambra governorship election and tension has risen to fever pitch all over the state. While the campaigns have so far been rather peaceful, devoid of real violence, many concerned political observers in the state are anxiously wondering and asking whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Awka is indeed willing to deliver a reasonably free, fair and credible vote come Saturday. ADVERTISING Of course there have been the usual pronouncements and attestations from relevant top officials of the INEC and the police, confidently assuring Nigerians and Anambrarians, in particular, of their preparedness for a hitch-free election. Assurances have been repeatedly given by the INEC of the early distribution of non-sensitive materials to all local government headquarters, as well as their readiness to deliver all other materials promptly on the day. The police, on their part are, as always, “on top of the situation” with so many thousands of crack officers and no-nonsense commanders “on the ground” to ensure maximum security for the election. Yet many concerned observers of our recent political history and of elections, in particular, remain genuinely skeptical. They remain largely skeptical because these agencies have yet to rise fully to the level of unbiased, proudly detached and disinterested umpires and guardians that we expect them to be. Election after election, almost invariably, INEC men and /or materials fail to arrive some voting centres on time, arrive terribly late or not at all. The 2013 experience of Obosi and much of Idemili North and South Local Government Areas of the state is a case in point. At the time, one notable candidate was inevitably disadvantaged by an INEC that unaccountably failed to monitor and control the situation in an area no more than 40 minutes away from Awka by road!. And given the miracle of communication technology in the 21st century world, there should be no reason whatsoever why the INEC in Awka should not be on top of its game-throughout Anambra. Accordingly, concerned Anambrarians would challenge the INEC to give to Nigeria and the Anambra electorate, in particular, a good Christmas present by way of a truly free, fair and credible election. On its part, the police should dedicate itself to doing a good job of the Anambra election. After recent scandals appearing to compromise the image of the police, the officers and men may wish to utilize the opportunity of the electon to launder their image. The officers – in – command must ensure that their men are efficiently distributed across the 21 local government areas of the state. They should do their best to come across as friendly-not hostile, yet serious and uncompromisingly neutral in the all-important assignment of maintaining security, law and order, throughout Anambra during and immediately after the election. Saturday shall be a litmus test not necessarily for Anambra but also for the APC- led Federal Government, INEC and the police.The way the poll is managed by all concerned could determine whither goes Anambra and indeed Igboland in the foreseeable future.
Credits/Sources: www.vanguardngr.com