INEC Discovers polling units in shrine,Forest and politicians house

The Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) says it has uncovered
several polling units at shrines, forests and
residences of politicians in Anambra and
Rivers states.
It made the revelation in its review of the
voters’ registration exercise nationwide.
The electoral body had initiated the
Continuous Voters Registration (CTR) to
authenticate the list of credible voters, as
well as accommodate voters who have
relocated to new bases since the 2011
general elections.
The discovery of the polling units came to
the fore at the knowledge sharing
conference of the Commission held with
chairmen of states Electoral Commissions
yesterday in Abuja.
In his remark, INEC Chairman, Prof.
Attahiru Jega, urged them to ensure that
the knowledge gathered at the workshop
guide them towards conducting credible
elections in the various states and the FCT.
Jega said the meeting was unique because
it brought together election managers at
the national and local levels.
He expressed readiness to hold
regular engagements with critical
stakeholders as it prepares for the conduct
of the 2015 general elections.
The INEC boss insisted that credible local
council elections must constitute the
foundation of any credible democracy in
the country.
Commenting on the polling units discovery
in Anambra State, the Acting Chairman of
the Anambra State Independent Electoral
Commission (ANSIEC), Okonkwo Sylvester,
stated that the units were located at
Onitsha North, Ogbaru and Oyi Local
Councils.
His Rivers State counterpart, Mrs. Dakoro,
confirmed that some polling units were
sited in shrines and other hidden areas.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Independent
Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has said the
inconclusive parts of the local council
election held some months ago would be
conducted on October 22 in the eleven
wards of Esan North East Local Council.
EDSIEC, Solomon Ogor, on Monday told
newsmen that elections would also be
concluded in six wards across four councils
which include Ward six in Etsako Central,
Wards three and four in Etsako West,
Wards nine and eleven in Ovia North-East
and Ward Eight in Uhunmwonde local
councils.