Nigeria Security Forces Warn Potential Disruptors of Edo Governorship Election
Nigerian security authorities have recently issued a stern warning to anyone contemplating disruption of the upcoming governorship election in Edo State. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have all converged in their call for restraint, warning against possible destabilising actions during the scheduled poll.
General Musa, during his visit to troops deployed in Edo State, stressed the imperative of ensuring that the election is conducted in a free, fair and credible manner. He called on the security forces to maintain a neutral and professional demeanour throughout the electoral process. Meanwhile, the Police have embarked on covert operations in the state, deploying plainclothes officers to sensitive areas, while the NSCDC has expressed similar intentions.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that DIG Frank Mba and DIG Daniel Pedro would lead about 35,000 police officers mobilized for the election event. He warned that only voters with Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) would be allowed to move around on polling day, urging non-participants to stay home.
In another development, the Nigerian Air Force has flown election materials to Benin, while the Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC) confirmed that the sensitive materials had arrived at the Benin airport in preparation for the vote. On this point, INEC reaffirmed its preparedness for the upcoming elections, urging all stakeholders to carry out their duties with integrity for the good of all.
Furthermore, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 6,433 personnel to secure public property during the election.
General Musa made it clear that he is committed to ensuring the smooth running of the election. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the various security entities and urged exemplary conduct by all stakeholders. He reiterated that the primary objective was to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process, with the safety of voters as the primary priority.
In order to prevent any act of disorder, plainclothes police officers, including from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB), have been deployed en masse in Benin City. Although the city appears calm, the discreet presence of these plainclothes agents aims to ensure the safety of all and to promote an inclusive and credible electoral process..
In conclusion, the commitment of the Nigerian security authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the Edo governorship election is a strong signal of their determination to preserve democracy and stability in the country. This unprecedented mobilization of security resources is a testament to the critical importance attached to the integrity of the electoral process and the protection of the democratic rights of citizens.