INEC Recommits to Free, fair and credible elections
By Amos Odhe.
The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Muhamed Yacubu has reiterated it’s commitment and preparedness to conduct a peaceful Governorship election on November 11 in the three off circle Governorship election in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states.
He stated this in a security meeting with all the security agencies in Yenagoa, saying that the commission had already held similar engagement at the headquarters, Abuja, because the security of personnel, materials and electorate was paramount.
According to him,the electoral umpire after holding such meetings at Abuja, thought it garmine to take it down to the states to ensure that electoral materials and personnel are given adequate security protection during and after the election, adding that for the election to be successful, there was a multi – stakeholders meeting as INEC alone cannot conduct an election.
He said ” Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa state are the three out the eight off- cycle elections that was held in 28 out of 36 states”
” None of these states off – cycle Governorship election is easy , off cycle election is not easy ,precisely hence the off cycle election”
He particularly posited that security, terrain and negative mobilization by political parties has posed as great challenges,adding that the essence of the meeting was to exchange ideas with the security agencies towards a peaceful election.
” As foot soldiers we are here to hear from you and look forward to fruitful deliberation “
In his opening remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Obo Effanga said the commission had not relented in working around the clock to ensure a peaceful election ahead of the November 11 Governorship election in Bayelsa state, as they are ready to go.
He disclosed that on Tuesday next week there will be stakeholders meeting and while on Wednesday, the 16 political parties will be signing a peace accord to ensure that there is peaceful conduct of election.
