Rivers INEC Receives 3,997 DDC Machines

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi (left) leaving the Rivers State Housing of Assembly Complex shortly after presenting the 2011 Appropriation Bill to the House, recently. With him are his deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru and Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Dumnamene Deekor. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed readiness for the voters registration commences tomorrow across the country after having having taken delivery of 3,997 Direct Data Capture machines out of the 4,442 required to cover Rivers State.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Aniedu Ikoiwak who disclosed this on Wednesday said the commission in the state was also expecting more than 700 DDC machines.

Ikoiwak said that different contractors were engaged to supply the machines to various states and stations but expressed optimism that more machines would be delivered to the state to adequately cover all the 4,442 polling units in the state.

“There is no cause for alarm. We are still expecting more 700 DDC machines in Rivers State not only to cover the polling units but to serve as backup to take care of some machines that might break down in the course of operations,” he declared.

He added that in the event that the additional 700 DDC machines did not arrive before tomorrow, it would still not affect the smooth conduct of the exercise, noting that the machines were configured to accommodate data for two polling units.

He disclosed that in the event of shortfall in the DDC machines, one machine would be used to service two units and be transferred to the appropriate unit.