By Karen James
Tensions flared during the Anambra State local council election on September 28, 2024, as irregularities were reported in Anyamelum Local Government Area.
The election was abruptly
halted by Mr. Ezeanaekwe Chidi Mark, an Electoral Officer with the Anambra
State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).
Surrounded by security forces,
including the local Divisional Police Officer (DPO), the Department of State
Services (DSS), soldiers, and members of the central vigilante group, Mr. Mark
cited orders from his commission to abort the ongoing electoral process due to
alleged malpractice.
According to reports, Mr. Mark
revealed that the entire set of election result sheets for Anyamelum LGA had
been sold to the highest bidder, prompting the cancellation of the election.
This triggered outrage among
local youths, who accused the electoral officer of corruption and demanded
accountability.
The situation escalated when
the youths, equipped with video evidence, confronted Mr. Mark, who admitted to
handing over the result sheets to Mr. Mgbechi Emmanuel Igwebuike, a resident of
Amaikwe community in Omor.
The crowd’s anger quickly turned to violence, with the youths attempting to lynch the electoral officer.
However, the swift intervention
of Hon. Bernard Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue, a member of the Anambra State House
of Assembly, helped de-escalate the situation.
Hon. Udemezue’s arrival at the
council headquarters prevented the mob from taking matters into their own
hands, saving Mr. Mark from potential harm.
Despite the presence of
security personnel, the youths refused to release the detained electoral
officer, citing distrust in the authorities.
They alleged collusion between
Mr. Mark and the security officials stationed at the local government
headquarters.
This incident has raised
further questions about the credibility of the Anambra State local council
election, as similar reports of irregularities have emerged from other areas,
putting the overall transparency of the process under scrutiny.
Post a Comment