Over 9,000 voter cards missing in Anambra

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said over 9,000 voter cards were missing in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu spoke yesterday at Awka during a meeting with stakeholders.

The parley was attended by the police, Department of State Security (DSS), Prisons, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others.

 Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), among others, were also present.

Addressing the participants, among whom were monarchs, Onukaogu said the four INEC officials, who misplaced the cards, would be prosecuted.

He said a similar incident occurred at Idemili South Local Government, adding that the cards were later found.

The REC lamented that only about 50 per cent of the cards had been distributed, which, according to him, was improper.

His words: “INEC wants to achieve between 80 and 85 per cent distribution. We have decided that the distribution will be on even during Christmas.

“For losing such a number of cards in one local government through stealing, the persons involved may lose their jobs. INEC is not taking it lying low.

 “If the cards are not brought back to us, the consequences will not be pleasant. We will delay prosecution to see if the affected officials will change their minds.

“To achieve success, we have decided to take the cards to the wards for distribution, instead of local governments. The voter cards are ready and are free. Anybody who tells you to bring money is a thief.

“The electoral process will not be complete  without the electorate participating. Voter cards are crucial, they are necessary, they are instruments that will lead to the success of any election.”