Security Agencies Assure Enugu Residents Of Peaceful, Hitch-free LG Poll
Security agencies in Enugu State have assured residents of the state of a peaceful, hitch-free and credible Local Government Election on Sept. 26.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa gave the assurance on Thursday in Enugu while speaking on behalf of other security agencies after a security meeting ahead of the council election on Saturday.
Giwa noted that the security agencies had put in place firm and robust strategies to ensure a peaceful, hitch-free and credible council election.
He said that the security agencies had made robust plans to take care of flashpoints and ensure no miscreant violated electoral rules.
According to him, we have planned to give the residents of Enugu State a very successful and peaceful election that they will be proud of.
“We have put our heads together to come out with formidable strategies for the conduct of the election.
“Our officers and men from various security agencies will be everywhere to ensure safety for all residents and people come out to cast their vote without fear or favour.
“The security agencies have vowed to ensure peace before, during and after the election and respond swiftly to any perceived incident that will be a threat to the election,” he said.
The commissioner said that so far, there had been no threat to the election, while the security agencies had deployed adequate intelligence to ensure to prevent any threat of violence.
Giwa urged those who would want to protect their votes after going to the ballot to do it with civility and decorum, while respecting electoral rules.
Speaking, the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), Prof. Christian Ngwu, said that ENSIEC was “very ready” for the election after “due and proper” arrangement.
Ngwu said that security agencies had assured residents adequate security with all their officers and men on ground before, during and after the election.
“They have assured the commission to deal decisively with any threat or persons that intend to cause trouble or create problem for election officials or electorate.
“We are anticipating a successful, hitch-free, transparent and credible election on Saturday.
“ENSIEC want eligible voters to come out en masse with their voters cards to cast their votes and elect their preferred candidates,” he said.
The chairman also urged electorate to be free to defend their votes but cautioned them against causing trouble.
The other security agencies that attended the meeting included: Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense (NSCDC) and the Department of State Security (DSS).
Others were the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal and State Fire Services and the Forest Guard among others.
It would be recalled that ENSIEC had scheduled polls for the 17 Chairmanship and 260 Ward Councillorship positions in the state for Sept. 26.