Janet Samuel, Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has charged security agencies to ensure a peaceful environment conducive for the successful conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states and to ensure safety of lives and property during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR)
Prof. Yakubu gave the charge during INEC second regular meeting with Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICESS) on Thursday,at INEC Headquarters in Abuja Abuja.
The INEC Chairman, expresses his appreciation to the security agencies for their proactive measures in ensuring the peaceful conclusion of the recently concluded off-cycle bye-elections and court-ordered rerun elections in the twenty-six (26) states across the country.
He informed the Security Committee of the plans and modalities for the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Exercise scheduled from 27th May 2024 to 5th June 2024 while sharing a document to guide their operational plans in securing the process.
Prof Yakubu called on the security agencies to closely monitor the electioneering process in the two states to prevent violence and negative mobilization of citizens ahead of the governorship elections in September and November 2024.
“we need security protection for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers and journalists that will cover the exercise,”
Speaking on the level of preparation on Edo Gubernatorial election, the Chairman said the Commission has published the final list of candidates, following the conclusion of party primaries and the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates as provided in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
He noted that, Campaign in public by political parties commenced on Wednesday, 24th April 2024 and will end at midnight on Thursday, 19th September, urging them to follow the electioneering process with a view of preventing violence and negative mobilisation by political parties, candidates and their supporters during their campaigns.
“Similarly, the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities such as Radio and Television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies often result in the breach of the peace.
These actions, including the mutual destruction of campaign materials and facilities, violate the provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. The security agencies have a duty to ensure the enforcement of the law”.
In his remarks, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Co-Chairman of ICESS, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu represented by the Director of Internal Security, Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi commended the security agencies and INEC for collaboration towards the successful conduct of the last elections, assuring that the security agencies will exercise greater caution in their deployment.
