EDO/ ONDO 2024: INEC Meets Security Agencies Over Elections Preparation
Maryam Aminu
The Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), in Abuja on Friday met with security agencies to strategize ahead of the off season Governorship Elections in Edo and Ondo States.
Yakubu said the commission would start security preparations for the said elections very early, adding that such proactive approach led to the successful conduct of the last Governorship election in Edo State on 19th September 2020 and in Ondo State on 10th October 2020.
He said, “It is important to start security preparations very early. In particular, the number of personnel and other assets to be deployed to
strategic locations should be determined and mobilised early enough.
The INEC Chairman added that the meeting would also be used to strategize ahead of re-mobilisation for re-run elections in two state constituencies in Enugu and Kano States, earlier disrupted by hoodlums in February.
He urged security agencies to leverage on the success of the previous election in both states.
“Let us replicate the successful conduct of the last Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. In fact, working together, we should ensure that the 2024 Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States are an improvement on the success story of 2020.
“In the next few months, there will be further engagements with the security agencies and other members of ICCES at both national and State levels. We look forward to your plans to secure the environment without which INEC cannot successfully conduct elections,” he said
Yakubu further condemned the recent gruesome killing of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Delta State
He assured that security agencies would arrest and prosecute perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“The recent gruesome killing of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army on a peace mission in Delta State is condemnable. We are confident that the ongoing investigation will lead to the speedy arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the heinous crime.On behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I extend our condolence to the Army and the armed forces in particular as well as other security, intelligence, law enforcement agencies, all other members of ICCES and families of the fallen heroes for the colossal loss. May we rise to observe a minute of silent prayers for the repose of their souls?” He requested.
