The Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Press Corps, Mr. Segun Ojumu has urged the electoral umpire to “leave no stone unturned” in the inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities(PLWD) in the electoral process as the governorship election in Anambra State draws near.
Mr. Ojumu made the call in Abuja during a one day forum on inclusive elections in Anambra State and beyond organised by the media organisations covering the beat.
He urged INEC to provide sign language interpreters at polling units and registration centres during the election in Anambra State.
In his remark, the founder, Albino Foundation, Mr Jake Ekpelle commended INEC Press Corps for supporting PLWDs in the electoral process and urged them to do more.
According to Mr Ekpelle any democratic process that is not inclusive is a total rape on democracy.
Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi urged the media to ensure accurate and balanced reportage at all times.
Mr Oyekanmi commended the INEC Press Corps for the support it had given to the Commission since the inception of the current administration.
Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba who was represented by the DIG Muyiwa Adejobi said measures are being put in place to ensure that Anambra State governorship election is free and fair.
The INEC Chairman who was represented by the INEC Commissioner in charge of information and voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye reeled out the commission’s efforts to make sure that the Anambra State gubernatorial election is hassle-free.
Okoye reiterated that INEC is committed to following the provision of the Constitution, repairs of initial destroyed INEC properties, registration of voters including movement of materials and deploying of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS technology.
Okoye further announced that an online portal registration for journalists that would cover the election in Anambra would be opened by next week
