Janet Samuel, Abuja
As the off cycle election is fast approaching in Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa states, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has charged security agencies to take decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence to guarantee a safe environment for peaceful conduct.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the charge, during a consultative meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), in Abuja 2023.
Prof. Yakubu who noted that to achieve adequate safety of electorates, security personnel on electoral duty should remain neutral and committed to the established professional code of conduct and rules of engagement.
He, however, reminded security agencies that ultimate responsibility for election security lies with them, hence, they should ensure coordination and synergy among the security agencies, promising that they will continue to work together fot a more secured environment for elections in Nigeria
“However, ultimate responsibility for election security lies with the security agencies. Our message to the security agencies is to take decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence. This is the surest way to guarantee a safe environment for the peaceful conduct of elections and electoral activities. In doing so, security personnel on electoral duty should remain neutral and committed to the established professional code of conduct and rules of engagement.”
On his part, the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Co-Chairman of ICCES, Nuhu Ribadu, who assured Nigerians of adequate security in the three States, noted that there has been a progressive improvement in security since the conduct of the General Elections
According to him, the President had requested that everyone, including politicians, should note that nothing was much more important than to have a free and fair election, for the country to move forward.
He assured Nigerians that security agencies are mapping out strategies and ready to ensure that the elections are free, fair and transparent.
“This election is going to be credible,.it is going to be a litmus test for us. Three important states, one in the North-Central, one in the South East, one in the South-south and we are ready.
“We will provide what it takes to provide credible elections and we are impressed with the preparations we have seen from INEC and we will work together. Collectively it is our responsibility to deliver.”
