Anambra 2025: CTA Director takes a swipe on Anambra govt over failure to provide basic amenities, accommodation for security operatives

PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Centre for Transparency and Advocacy (CTA) has criticised Anambra State Government for failing to provide adequate basic amenities and accommodation for the security operatives deployed to the state for the purpose of maintaining peace, safeguarding electoral materials and officials during the course of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state.

This was stated by the Executive Director of CTA, Faith Nwadishi, while addressing journalists in Awka on Saturday

Nwadishi who made the statement during the presentation of the organization’s preliminary report on the election expressed disappointment at the poor welfare conditions of security agents.

She described the government’s failure to make suitable arrangements for them as regrettable and unacceptable, adding,

“It is regrettable that the Anambra State Government could not make adequate provisions for the security personnel to stay and effectively carry out their duties.

“Even in public buildings where many of them were camped, there was no provision for basic amenities such as water and electricity.

“There is no way security personnel can leave their homes and be subjected to such harsh and demeaning conditions without being tempted to compromise their duties.

When you expose them to such vulnerability, you make them susceptible to inducement. They are human beings and deserve a minimum level of decency to perform their duties effectively.”

According to her, neglecting the welfare of security personnel could compromise their neutrality and effectiveness.

She further condemned the widespread incidence of vote-buying, saying that it occurred openly in the presence of security agents.

The CTA Director added, “It is unfortunate that some voters were willing to sell their votes to the highest bidder.

I learned that some people even refused to vote because they were not paid.

“In some places, those involved in vote-buying were openly haggling over prices.

One of them was seen questioning why voters were being offered ₦2,000 instead of ₦5,000. Ultimately, it is the public that suffers when citizens sell their votes

“Anambra State Government and relevant electoral stakeholders should address the welfare of security personnel and intensify voter education to curb electoral malpractice and strengthen democratic integrity in future elections.”