By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked the alleged boast of Imo state governor Hope Odidika Uzodinma that he has pressed it upon the Commission to resume the suspended Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in some parts of Imo state.
INEC had a fortnight ago suspended the CVR duty in some Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo state including at the Ihitte-Uboma, citing insecurity and consequently, the killing of the Commission’s staff and abduction of some others by unknown gunmen.
But it has since emerged in the media that Gov. Uzodinma at a church service in Owerri last Sunday boasted to his audience that he has intervened in the suspension of CVR in parts of the state and that INEC will resume the exercise immediately.
However, INEC on Tuesday out rightly denied cutting a deal with the governor and insisted that the suspension order is subsisting until security is guaranteed in the affected LGAs of Imo state.
The INEC disclaimer was contained in a press statement signed by Barrister Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Voter Education Committee, made available to journalists on Tuesday.
The statement reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has resumed the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in places where the exercise was earlier suspended in Imo State. This is misleading.
“We appeal to the public to discountenance the purported resumption of the CVR in the three LGAs of Orsu, Njaba and Ihitte Uboma.
“Such statements are capable of misleading the public and further jeopardising the safety of registrants and officials as well as the security of the Commission’s facilities.
“At the appropriate time, the Commission will announce any new decision on the matter after consultation with the security agencies and critical stakeholders.
“The Commission has an organized and official means of communication and has been upfront with providing information to the general public”.
