From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged the Security Agencies to be proactive in protecting all the electoral stakeholders, before, during and after the forthcoming Edo State Governorship election.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed this during the Quarterly Consultative Meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held in Abuja.
He said, Electioneering campaigns by political parties are ongoing. “This is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes. A peaceful campaign often heralds a peaceful election.
“This is the time to be more vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.
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“Already, concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes. With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days before voters in Ondo State go to the polls, we should continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.
“However, I must also add that, in doing so, all your personnel should continue to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty.
“We are again including copies of the document in your folders for this meeting. The same document is available on our website as well as the websites of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.
“While we focus on Edo and Ondo State Governorship elections, I also wish to inform you that there are a number of outstanding bye-elections for which Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and some State Houses of Assembly have declared vacant” he said.
Professor Yakubu, equally expressed the Commission’s appreciation to all members of ICCES at both national, state and local government levels for their numerous supports in the pass.
