Gov Obiano beefs up security in INEC offices, expresses dismay over fire outbreak

Nkiru Nwagbo, Awka

Following the fire incident at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters Awka that burnt about 6,372 card readers meant for the forthcoming election in Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano has directed that security inside and around the INEC state headquarters as well as INEC offices in the 21 local government areas of the state be fortified immediately. In a statement signed yesterday by the Commissioner for information and public enlightenment Mr C.Don Adinuba noted that Governor Willie Obiano has expressed dismay over the fire incident contending that he is yet to be briefed by the Commissioner of Police in the state to ascertain the extent of the damage and possible causes . Obiano has also directed a massive deployment of fire fighting facilities at the INEC headquarters immediately, with the appropriate number and caliber of personnel. He explained that the State government is committed towards ensuring that all elections are held in the state as scheduled. According to the statement” The Anambra State Government is committed to ensuring that all the elections are held in the state not only as scheduled but also in a free, credible and transparent manner” “The Government notes with satisfaction the prompt and professional manner in which the Anambra state Fire service mobilized to the scene once the fire at the INEC headquarters was reported to it. Its swift response contained the fire”. It added.