2015: Anambra REC Pledges Transparency, Urges Objective Reporting

Ahead of the general elections in February this year, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Anambra State, Edwin O. Nwatarali , an Engineer has pledged to be transparent and maintain an open door policy in the discharge of his electoral duty.

www.odogwublog.com reports that Nwatarali, who spoke yesterday at the State INEC headquarters, Awka, during an interactive session with Newsmen, also tasked reporters to be objective and not to publish sensational stories especially during the election.

The new REC, who took over from Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu emphasised that he cannot be compromised in the course of discharging his duty, even as he denied ever receiving assistance of any sort from Anambra state government or any individual in the State.

He noted, “I have been called to do a job and I will do that job to the best of my knowledge. It is about official business. There is an electoral guideline and we in the INEC will follow it religiously: It will be our bible/guide for the 2015 election”
Continuing, he said, “I believe that if we follow it judiciously, we will not step on any banner pill. I have been in this commission for four years and one will be a fool to repeat the mistakes of others in the past years” pointing out that his staff will not cut corners.

Answering a question on their level of preparedness, Nwatarali said that INEC is working seriously towards conducting a hitch free and credible election.

“Election preparation is ongoing. We have received sensitive, non-sensitive and other relevant materials”, the REC said, adding that he had also visited all the 21council areas for on the spot assessment, and identified some problems which will be attended to.
He further explained that the commission has made contingency preparations for smooth operations in the riverine areas which, according to him, covers only three local government areas.
On the distribution of the Permanent Voters Card (PVC), Nwatarali said that a lot of progress has been achieved in the wards, pointing out that they has moved from the former 55 percent to 71 percent of collection in the State.
He called on the necessary agencies in Anambra to plan for and maintain adequate security during election period.
He blamed politicians for what he called ‘multiple’ aspirants, even as he disputed the general term of multiple candidates, adding, “there is no law stopping anybody or group from campaigning for votes. INEC organise elections for political parties and not individuals,. Therefore, any opinion expressed in this regard is not backed by law and can never stand. INEC has no hand in this matter. We cannot temper with any party list”