The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has created 25 new registration centres in addition to the existing 67 ones to bring about a total of 87 centers in Anambra state as part of measures to hasten the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise across the state.
Out of the new number, additional five centres have been created at the popular Ekwueme Square in Awka the capital town, two at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and one in Anambra to ease the pressure on the commission by registrants who wish to register ahead of the 2023 elections.
Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the INEC Anambra state disclosed this during a press conference in Awka the state capital.
He said the commission had also reopened the three local government offices of the commission at Idemili South, Ogbaru and Ayamelum council areas which were shut down over insecurity challenges in the state.
He pointed out that the INEC had taken far-reaching operational measures by separating people seeking biometric services from those that require non-biometric services.
According to Dr. Nkwachukwu, “In this sense, biometric services involve fresh registration while non-biometric services include request for PVC Replacement, Voter Transfer, and Update. Let me restate that those requesting non-biometric services need not to come to the registration centres.”
On whether the 30 June target for the exercise to end will be enough for the millions of people to register and if the INEC would extend the time frame,Nkwachukwu said, “I will not know whether the June 30th will be sufficient.”
“It is the Commission in Abuja that will decide whether the time will be extended or not,” he declared.
“I am pleased to announce that the Commission has created additional 25 registration centres in Anambra State, and that they commenced operation by 9.00 am today. The locations of the centres will be distributed to you shortly. The additional centres bring the total number of centres in Anambra State to 87.”
“We have reopened some LGA Offices that were shut down as a result of insecurity. Specifically, on Tuesday, 7 June 2022, the Idemili North LGA Office was reopened. Today, 14 June 2022, we have resumed registration exercise in Ogbaru and Ayamelum LGAs.”
“We have reorganized our operational procedure by separating people seeking biometric services from those that require non-biometric services. In this sense, biometric services involves fresh registration while non-biometric services include request for PVC Replacement, Voter Transfer, and Update. Let me restate that those requesting non-biometric services need not to come to the registration centres,” the REC stated.
“These services can be obtained through the Commission’s CVR Portal. However, we have deployed personnel to assist those who cannot access the online portal at the various registration centres.”
He said, “In areas where the security situation permits, we would extend our time of operation, which is 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. We would continue expand our public communication to inform and educate members of the public.”
“The State Office is addressing reports of misconduct by staff of the Commission. To bolster public confidence in the Commission, the two Registration Officers accused of misconduct in Nnewi North LGA have been replaced, while investigation of the matter continues.”
“We have set up a WhatsApp line to receive complaints and enquiries. Complaints should contain specific details, including names and locations, that would aid the Commission in judicious handling of the issues.”
“We wish to restate our appeal for the patience, understanding and cooperation of the public in this challenging time.”
