THE Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukaogu yesterday admitted that there were lapses in the recent continuous voters’ registration exercise carried out in the state recently, saying that he should be blamed for whatever happened.

Speaking during the stakeholders meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and some stakeholders in Awka,, Onukaogu promised that such lapses would not reoccur during the seven –day continuous voter registration exercise scheduled to start on Monday in all the 21 local government areas of the state.

The stakeholders meeting attracted security agencies, paramilitary outfits, politicians and civil society groups.

Complaints marred the registration in most centers during the previous exercise as there were reported cases of machine breakdown, while those who registered could not obtain their cards. Most of the registration centres were also not made use of, thereby frustrating eligible voters who trooped out to register.

Onukaogu however said yesterday that the cards of those who registered previously were ready, assuring that those who would participate in next week’s exercise would collect their permanent voters’ cards immediately or at most the following day. .

He said: “Honestly, I take the blame for what happened during the last registration exercise, but I assure you that it will not happen again. Experience, they say, is the best teacher and we learn every day.
“Some people accused me of manipulating the exercise, but we should realize that there is limit to what I can do.”

He warned politicians who recruit thugs during such exercises to desist, warning that they would be arrested if they attempt it again.