INEC Poised to Conduct Hitch Free Election in Anambra

• Behave yourself, NSA warns troublemakers wanting to make trouble ahead of Anambra poll

The INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu speaking today at the meeting of the inter-agency consultative committee on election Security (ICCES), said security agencies have assured INEC of safety of officials and residents.

The INEC chairman’s comment comes amid attacks in the south-east, as well as the recent threat by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to “lock down” the region if Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the group, isn’t released by November 4.

Yakubu, who said he had received assurance of improved security, added that he is confident that the “professionalism and neutrality” displayed by the security agencies at the Ondo and Edo elections would be replicated in Anambra.

“INEC is determined to proceed with the Anambra state governorship election as scheduled,” he said.

“The safety and protection of voters, our personnel, accredited observers, the media and materials are cardinal considerations in any election. We have been assured by the security agencies of a secure environment for the election.

“I am sure the CP of Anambra state, in his briefing, will provide more details regarding preparations on the ground. I wish to place on record the continued support of security agencies to the commission during elections. Particularly noteworthy is the high level of professional conduct of the agencies in the last two major elections in Edo and Ondo states.

“Indeed, Edo and Ondo have become the standard for securing elections in Nigeria. The professionalism and neutrality exhibited by the security agencies in the two elections have been widely praised nationally and internationally. We are confident that this will be replicated in Anambra state.”

Yakubu also said the commission is working to ensure peace during the elections with the cooperation of the political parties and the national peace committee.

“The commission is also working with the national peace committee under the leadership of our respected former head of state, general Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, to bring all political parties and candidates for the Anambra state governorship election to commit to peace before, during and after the elections,” he said.

Behave yourself, NSA warns troublemakers ahead of Anambra poll

The National Security Adviser, Babagana Moguno, warned those intending to cause conflict to behave themselves as the governorship election in Anambra State draws close.

Monguno said this known today during a meeting of the Special Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, referring to the unrest the state has endured in the past weeks.

He said, “We want to offer brotherly advice to our brothers who want to destabilise the process to think again; we are all eager to achieve results that will be acceptable to everybody. I don’t think it will be right for anyone to ignite a crisis. Please, think again.

“The law enforcement agencies will not sit by idly and allow people to terrorise people, commit homicide. They have been told to watch out for these elements. I am appealing to you to stay in your wards and behave yourself. Anyone that wants to disrupt the process will be brought to book.”

Monguno added that security agents have been instructed to act within the confines of the law and with professionalism to ensure that the election goes on without a hitch.

“For those of us in security, we have already done what we are supposed to do. All security agencies have been told to conduct themselves well and exhibit the highest level of professionalism and restraint and operate within the confines of the law and not in any way that will jeopardise the exercise.

“We are going to ensure that the people of Anambra undergo this exercise without any incident,” he added.