The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged traditional rulers in Anambra to assist in securing its offices, staff and election materials before and during the 2023 general election.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Elizabeth Agwu, said this while meeting with traditional rulers and President-Generals of communities on Wednesday in Awka.
Agwu solicited for the cooperation of the community leaders to ensure a successful conduct of the 2023 general election in the state.
She said that the community leaders were the custodians of authority and should sensitise the electorate to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and keep them safe for the election.
“As community leaders, we appeal to you to put in place adequate security measures to check incidents of hoodlums attacks on INEC offices and materials.
“Help caution suspected hoodlums in your communities not to disturb the election process, if not checked, it will be disastrous for Anambra state.
“The state will loose and have no representations not only at presidential level, but also at national and states houses of assembly.
“It is also unfortunate that most people in the state do not participate in elections, but rather stay in their homes watching television, selling goods in their shops, while youths are busy play football.
“You should endeavour to encourage people in your communities to participate adequately in the 2023 election. Anambra state should be well represented,” she said.
Agwu urged the electorate to and collect their PVCs from collection centres across the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
In his contribution, the traditional ruler of Umuleri, Igwe Bennett Chukwuemeka, said he had employed several methods including sending out town criers, WhatsApp messages and village meetings to sensitise people in his community.
He also assured that adequate security measures had been put in place with local security operatives to ensure hitch-free general election.