INEC Collation Centre Awka: Soludo Laments Uncomfortable Environment
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Collation Centre in Awka, describing it as hot and unconducive for official activities.
Governor Soludo made the remark on Tuesday before receiving his Certificate of Return from the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Agwu.
According to the governor, the hall designated for the collation and presentation exercise was extremely uncomfortable, lacking functional fans or air conditioners.
“This place is not good for anyone to stay in. There is no fan, no functional air conditioner,” he lamented.
Soludo, who arrived at the venue around 1 p.m., reportedly met no INEC officials on ground. After waiting for some time under what he described as an unbearable atmosphere, he stepped out of the hall to get some fresh air. It was at that point that the INEC officials arrived and met him at the entrance.
The governor later re-entered the hall after being assured that the ceremony would not take long.
After receiving his Certificate of Return, Governor Soludo described his re-election as a divine mandate, stating that the people of Anambra have spoken and that “heaven has heard their voice.”
“Four years ago, we were here to receive this same certificate, and today, by the grace of God, we are here again. This is a special moment, the first Certificate of Return issued by the new INEC Chairman,” he said.
The governor praised the conduct of the election, describing it as free, fair, and credible, and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring non-interference in the process.
“The President has demonstrated that he understands Nigeria’s multi-dimensional democracy. He did not interfere, and that allowed the will of the people to prevail,” Soludo noted.
He also commended INEC for what he termed an improved electoral process, emphasizing that each election cycle under the commission shows better performance than the previous one.
“In every election, INEC performs better than before. I stood firm on the principle of ‘one man, one vote’ in Anambra State, and INEC made it happen. The technology worked perfectly — by 9 p.m. on Saturday, most of the results were already in,” he said.
Soludo further applauded the security agencies for maintaining peace and protecting the integrity of the people’s mandate.
“I thank the security personnel for ensuring that our people’s votes counted and that peace was maintained throughout the process,” he added.
The governor also extended gratitude to Ndi Anambra for their massive turnout and continued confidence in his leadership.
“I thank Ndi Anambra for coming out to vote me back into office. To my fellow contestants, the election is over; now we must come together as brothers and sisters to build and move Anambra forward,” Soludo said.
