Politics
INEC Identifies Security As Key To Election Success, Credibility
Ahead of the general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the role of security personnel is key to the success and credibility of any poll.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of in Rivers State, Ebo Efanga, stated this while declaring open a two day ‘election security personnel training of trainers for 2019 general elections’ the commission organised with support from the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) in Port Harcourt.
Efanga explained that the training was important for security personnel that would be involved in the forth-coming poll, noting that “The primary role in the election is on INEC and then the security agencies are only playing supportive roles. But their roles are also critical to the overall success of the elections and its credibility.
“So it is a training where we are going to talk to them (security personnel) about what is expected of them. We stressed the fact that this is a responsibility they owe to the country and so we expect them to act in the best of their abilities.
“We also expect they should be conversant with how the election is conducted. What the law says, what the regulation for the election says and what the stages for the elections are How close they can stand around the polling unit and those who are supposed to be around the polling unit and those who are not supposed to be around the polling unit.
“The distance they should stay and how to conduct themselves on the day of election. What is expected of them before, during and after the elections. It is a very onerous task on them and we expect that this training will help them to have a better understanding and appreciation that their conduct goes to the success of the election,” he stated.
In his remark, representative of ECES, Fabian Marie said its collaboration with INEC on the training was to ensure that the general elections would be peaceful and credible.
Marie said achieving a peaceful and credible poll in Nigeria was not the responsibility of INEC alone, but every citizen, including security personnel and therefore called for collaboration of the security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure a hitch free and successful election.
He further said, “We are very proud to be able to participate in this training and give a little support that we can in order to achieve a peaceful election.
“So we will be here in Nigeria at this time and we hope that we can be safe. So we are wishing you (participants) a fruitful workshop and Nigeria a successful election,” Maria stated.
Some security agencies that participated in the training include the Nigeria Police, Army, Prisons Service, Immigration and the Nigeria Security and Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Dennis Naku
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
-
News2 days ago2026 Budget: FG Allocates N12.78bn For Census, NPC Vehicles
-
Featured5 days agoRSG Kicks Off Armed Forces Remembrance Day ‘Morrow …Restates Commitment Towards Veterans’ Welfare
-
Featured5 days agoTinubu Hails NGX N100trn Milestones, Urges Nigerians To Invest Locally
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON: Osimhen, Lookman Threaten Algeria’s Record
-
Politics2 days agoWike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
-
Politics2 days agoRivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
-
Maritime2 days agoMARITIME JOURNALISTS TO HONOUR EX-NIWA MD,OYEBAMIJI OVER MEDIA SUPPORT
-
Sports2 days agoPalace ready To Sell Guehi For Right Price