By Damilare Adeleye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged Heads of Security and Law Enforcement Agencies to take holistic action against perpetrators of electoral violence during the off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the electoral umpire, made this appeal during a meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee On Election Security (ICCES) held at the conference room of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, on Friday, 27th October.
The INEC boss who highlighted the prevailing insecurity and geographical terrain as difficulties in conducting elections in the States, implored intending security personnel on electoral duty to remain neutral and committed to the established professional code of conduct and rules of engagement during the exercise.
He said, “The three States of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi are not the easiest States in Nigeria to conduct elections. The difficult geographical terrain and prevailing insecurity are compounded by negative mobilisation by political actors, especially since the commencement of campaign in public on 14th July 2023. Our message to politicians is that they should call their candidates and supporters to order. Violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process must stop.
“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.”
The INEC boss extended gratitude to Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, for providing leadership by ensuring coordination and synergy among the security agencies, adding that the Commission will continue to work together to ensure a more secure environment for elections in the country.