By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Photo credit: The Cable.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, warned against masquerades invasion of polling units in the forthcoming Nov 11, Governorship election in Kogi state.
Dr. Gabriel Longpe, Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), gave the warning at a stakeholders meeting on election security with the theme: Strengthening Community Engagement Towards a Violence Free Nov 11 Governorship Election in Kogi,”held at the State Police Command.
Longpet said that the Commission had never at any time registered masquerades but to it’s dismay, masquerades were seen voting in Feb. 25 and March 18 polls and at the same time chased voters away.
“We don’t want a repeat of that ugly situation during the Nov 11, Governorship election in the state because at no time did INEC registered any masquerade.
“INEC is fully equipped and prepared for the forthcoming Governorship election.
“Therefore, we expect all the participating political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves orderly for a peaceful, free and fair polls, ” advised.
Mr Babatunde Ishola, AIG Zone 8, also warned political parties and supporters against violence and crises during the forthcoming Nov 11 governorship election in the state.
The AIG, who is the convener of the meeting, also warned the politicians against self help when there was breach of peace during the governorship election but should alert security operatives for prompt action.
“We are assuring you that police and other security agencies will do all we can to maintain peace and security before, during and after the Nov 11 governorship election.
“Although security is everybody’s business, the security operatives will be ruthless against trouble makers, because we have adopted zero tolerance approach to snatching of ballot boxes, ” he warned.
Shola, who advised that electioneering campaigns should be issues based, warned against inciting comments and intimidation among the political parties.
He said that the security operatives would display the highest level of professionalism during the governorship election and urged politicians to play the game according to the rules.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Commissioner of Police in the state,CP Akeeem Yusuf, said that Inspection General of Police had pledged to flood the state with enough personnel to maintain peace and security of lives and property.
Yusuf explained that the meeting with stakeholders was strategic and imperative, given the peculiar nature of Kogi state when it comes to elections.
Also Speaking, Kogi NDLEA Commander, Alhaji Abdulkadir Fakai-Abdullahi, who spoke through his deputy, Mustapha Haladu cautioned youths against the use of hard drugs to foment trouble during elections.
He warned that any individual caught causing trouble under the influence of drugs would be arrested and prosecuted “simply because election is not war.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
