By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has reiterated the commission’s commitment and preparedness to conduct a peaceful governorship election on November 11 in the three off-circle governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states.
He stated this during the Inter-Agency Consultative meeting on Election Security in Yenagoa at the weekend, noting that the commission had already held similar meeting at the headquarters, because the security of personnel, materials and electorate was paramount.
The INEC boss said that the electoral umpire after holding such meeting at Abuja, thought it germane to take it down to the states to ensure that electoral materials and personnel are given adequate security protection during and after the election, adding that for the election to be successful, there was a multi – stakeholders meeting as INEC alone cannot conduct an election.
He said ” Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states are the three out of the eight off- cycle elections that was held in 28 out of 36 states.
“None of these states off- cycle governorship election is easy. Off cycle election is not easy, precisely hence the off cycle election.”
He particularly posited that security, terrain and negative mobilization by political has posed as great challenges, adding that the essence of the meeting was to exchange ideas with the security agencies towards a peaceful election.
“As foot soldiers, we are here to hear from you and look forward to fruitful deliberation,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Obo Effanga, said the commission had not relented in working around the clock to ensure a peaceful election ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State, adding that they are ready to go.
He disclosed that on Tuesday next week there will be stakeholders meeting and while on Wednesday, the 16 political parties will be signing a peace accord to ensure that there is peaceful conduct of election.
