17th November, 2013
Simon Ateba/Awka
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has barred many accredited journalists from the collation centre in Awka, the Anambra state capital, where the final results of the disputed governorship election would be announced.
Journalists who got to INEC head office in Awka on Sunday night were shown a list of selected journalists who could go into the collation centre while others were sent back.
Journalists attempted in vain to stage a protest but were threatened by gun carrying policemen and soldiers.
An INEC official told our correspondent at the gate, “If TheNews is not there, then you are not wanted here.”
The correspondent was escorted by gun-carrying policemen away from the collation centre.
The telephone number of INEC mouthpiece in Anambra State, Frank Egbo, was switched off.
Several candidates have described the governorship election in Anambra State as a sham.