Fides Media Living the Faith
By Michael Nnebife
Aggrieved ad hoc staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Anambra State, for the just concluded general elections, have concluded arrangements to besiege the commission’s headquarters in Awka, on a peaceful demonstration, to compel the electoral umpire to pay their allowances in the shortest possible time.
One of the leaders of the ad hoc workers, Engr Chidiebere Okafor, disclosed this to the press in a media chat on Tuesday.
Engr Okafor, who regretted that the payment of the allowances was overdue, said, ‘We are going for a peaceful protest for our funds to be paid.
‘No ad hoc staff is happy, and we (were) pleaded with to allow the rerun election come and go.
‘That may be the reason for the non-payment, but a week is gone. Check the date of the election in February, and you would attest how heartless INEC, Anambra State is,’ he said.
When Fides visited the state INEC headquarters in Awka to get the commission’s side of the matter, its Public Relations Officer, Mr Kingsley Agwu, declined comment as he (Agwu) directed the reporter to first bring an application letter for interview with the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state.
However, the purported protest slated to be held last Wednesday, April 26, 2023, has been put on hold.
‘The reason was that the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Lady Queen Elizabeth Agwu, called those leading the protest to soft pedal.
‘She assured that payment shall start flying before Friday, 28th April, 2023, for the first and second elections’, Okafor said.
He further expressed dismay, saying, ‘We are human, and we have endured until now.
‘If she fails to comply as discussed, we shall proceed with the protest,’ he threatened.