On Friday in Abuja, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met with Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) about the up coming November cycle election in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states about taking actions against purveyors of violence and other undemocratic activities.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated this while addressing ICCES at the INEC headquarters, Maitama, Abuja
The new National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector General of Police and other Security Agencies representatives met to discussed and review the issues arising from the 2023 general election.
“Indeed, the concern that the perennial insecurity in some parts of the country before the February, 2023 election may make our deployment of personnel and materials, and consequently the conduct of polls, impossible, did not materialise. We wish to place on record our appreciation to the security agencies and other members of ICCES for the largely peaceful conduct of the polls”. he noted in his speech.
“Similarly, during our interactive meetings with political parties, civil society organisations and the media, some specific security issues of concern were identified. We assured them that their concerns will be tabled at this meeting for appropriate remedial action.
“As we review the conduct of the last general election, we also need to focus our attention on the forthcoming bye-elections and the three off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States. Campaigns in the public in the three States commenced on 14th July 2023 and will continue until Thursday 9th November 2023. 24 hours to the opening of polls on Saturday 11th November 2023. Already, there are ominous signs in the form of violent clashes between opposing political parties and candidates.
“While maintaining strict neutrality, security agencies should take decisive action against purveyors of violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process.
Reacting to this, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to Mr President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has promised to make every election in the Country peaceful while thanking INEC for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 elections.
“We will work for Nigeria and Nigerians at anytime. We will support INEC to conduct peaceful off-cycle elections in November and ensure everything is credible” he added.