Edo/Ondo Guber: INEC urges security agencies to be more vigilant
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has charged security agencies to be more vigilant and beamed their apparatus on Edo and Ondo States ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in the states.
Speaking at the Commission’s third regular quarterly consultative meeting with Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in dealing with any threat to the conduct of peaceful elections in the states.
Prof. Yakubu, who cautioned political parties and their supporters to maintain peace before, during and after the elections, expressed concern about the possibility of some unscrupulous elements wanting to disrupt the processes.
“For the security agencies, 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.
“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.
“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”, he said.
While expressing the Commission’s appreciation to all members of ICCES at national, state and local government levels, Prof. Yakubu said their personnel have been supportive of all its activities during elections and the conduct of electoral activities.
