INEC engages security agencies preparatory to Osun’s governorship election

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Agency report

INEC on Monday engaged security agencies on the need to ensure free, fair, and credible July 16 governorship election in Osun.

Speaking at the State Level Electoral Security Training in Osogbo, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said elections should be seen as a critical mandate and asset that must be protected by security personnel.

Yakubu, represented by the Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Prof. Abdulganiyu Raji, said the training would acquaint security agencies with INEC’s code of conduct and rules of engagement before, during and after the election.

“I believe this training will impact positively on the conduct of Osun election coming up on July 16.

“It will also help security agencies to manage risk elements and have full knowledge of the system.’’ he said.

Yakubu said the training was another significant step forward in the Commission’s stride for a robust electoral system and the deepening of the country’s democratic structure.

According to him, security is crucial to the conduct of elections and the need for security agencies to ensure synergy becomes paramount.

The INEC chairman called for collective responsibilities among security personnel to help to avert any violence that might occur during and after the election.

He said INEC would work with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that Osun election is peaceful.

In his remarks, the Director-General of Electoral Institute, Dr Sa’ad Idris, commended INEC for organising the security training which, he said, would help in sensitising stakeholders on the need for credible elections.

Represented by Mr Ifeanyi Agoha, the institute’s Deputy Director of Training, Idris said the operational order which would help to ensure effective deployment had been finalised to forestall any breakdown of law and order during the election.