The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has declared a ban on the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) from engaging in the forthcoming governorship election.
Recall that all eligible electorates are expected to troop out en mass on September 21 to exercise their civic rights by electing another leader to take on the affairs of the state.
During a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin on Wednesday, the IGP asserted that the duty of ensuring the safety of voters and election materials will be exclusively assigned to the police, with assistance from other national security agencies.
Egbetokun underscored that neither private nor state-affiliated security organizations could function during and after the election period.
The IGP announced that a total of 35,000 police officers would be deployed for the election, complemented by an additional 8,000 personnel from various national security agencies.
He also indicated that security aides assigned to VIPs would be withdrawn while outlining the different election-related offences and cautioning that individuals found in violation would face legal consequences.
“All local security groups in Edo State should refrain from participating in the election. The activities of the Edo State Security Network are suspended and will remain so,” Egbetokun said.
Egbetokun affirmed that the police would uphold the Electoral Act and other pertinent regulations to guarantee a tranquil electoral atmosphere.
The Inspector General of Police cautioned against any form of disorderly conduct or violence, asserting that individuals found in possession of weapons during the election would be subject to criminal prosecution.
During the event, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, declared that the commission would retrieve unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from all 18 local government areas in preparation for the upcoming election.
Prof. Yakubu clarified that these PVCs would be securely held at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) until the election’s conclusion, ensuring that Edo voters’ preferences are accurately reflected.
He reiterated that Edo State has a total of 2,629,025 registered voters and, to enhance transparency, INEC has made digital copies of the voter register available to all political parties participating in the election. Furthermore, he mentioned that INEC would soon publish a comprehensive report detailing the PVCs collected for each of the 4,519 polling units within the state.
Prof. Yakubu underscored the collaborative essence of the electoral process, emphasizing that while INEC has a vital role, the overall success of the election relies on the joint efforts of all stakeholders involved.
He noted the significant global attention on the 2024 Edo governorship election, revealing that 134 organizations (124 domestic and ten international) have been accredited to send 1,836 observers throughout the state.
Additionally, he announced that political parties would sign a Peace Accord on Thursday, urging them to uphold their commitments and adhere to the terms of the Accord to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
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