The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, said it had deployed a total of 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states to support the respective RECs in the three states, where governorship elections will be holding tomorrow. Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this in a statement issued late last night ahead of tomorrow’s elections. A breakdown of the number of RECs deployed by the electoral body showed that nine RECs were sent to each of the three states that would be going to the polls on Saturday. Three of the RECs will to be deployed to each senatorial district in the states. INEC also said it had deployed two National Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries (Ass) as well as additional staff from the headquarters to Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states to support the election process.

Similarly yesterday, ahead of the elections in the three states, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police warned election saboteurs to steer clear of the polls, because they would not only deploy strength, but would also show force where necessary. While DHQ warned those who planned to sport fake military uniforms not to cross the red line, DSS and the police said they would be decisive in dealing with those, who plotted to scuttle the polls as well as persons, who engaged in inflammatory statements.

At the same time, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, ordered the posting and redeployment of 40 senior police officers, comprising 14 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 26 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to various commands and formations in the country. The INEC chairman also stated that in less than 48 hours, 5,169,692 Nigerians, who collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) were expected to vote in off-cycle governorship elections. He said it was the first time in the country’s history that off-cycle elections would be held on the same day and across three geo-political zones of the country: North-central (Kogi), South-east (Imo), and South-south (Bayelsa).

As the election day approached, INEC called the commission’s officials – both regular and ad-hoc – to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism. Yakubu stated, “As I said repeatedly, not least during my recent readiness assessment visits to the three states, INEC is not a political party and we have no candidate in the election.

“Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. The choice of who becomes the governor of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states is entirely in the hands of voters. “We have delivered all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the elections. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for deployment to polling units as the only means of voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication of voters.

“Polling unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. All election duty officials have been trained.” Arrangements have been made for land and maritime transportation to enable us to commence voting on schedule.”Yakubu stressed that in spite of the extremely difficult terrain and physical infrastructure in some locations, the commission was determined to ensure that its officials were there waiting for voters, rather than the voters waiting for their arrival.

He added, “For these off-cycle elections, the commission is deploying two National Commissioners, nine RECs and Administrative Secretaries (Ass), as well as additional staff from different states to each of the three states to support the process. They will be deployed across the senatorial zones in the states. “Election is a multi-stakeholder responsibility. As with every election, lessons have been learnt from recent elections. We will continue to ensure free, fair and credible and inclusive elections, but INEC cannot do it alone.

“We have received assurances from the security agencies that the environment will be secure for electoral activities and all participants: voters, electoral officials, accredited observers, the media and polling/collation agents.” Political parties and candidates have signed the peace accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC). Let us maintain the peace and play our roles conscientiously. By doing so, we shall continue to consolidate our democracy.”

DHQ, DSS, Police Vow to Deploy Force, Strength

At a media briefing in Abuja, yesterday, Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the military considered the elections a serious business, and had deployed troops and platforms to ensure the security of the polls. Buba stated, “Election is serious business and the military is given it deserved attention. Troops, platforms and other assets are deployed to those places.” For those who wear fake military uniforms, I warn them not to cross the line.

“For the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states this weekend, here is a message for you. The military is deploying strength for the election to emplace a safe environment for voters to peacefully come out and cast their votes.” However, we are aware of plans by some to disguise in military gear to orchestrate havoc and disrupt elections in some areas. Our message to such a group is that there will be injurious consequences for such an action. The military will not fold its arms and watch its image dragged to the mud.” DSS also said the agency would be decisive in dealing with those who plotted to scuttle the polls as well as persons planning to engage in inflammatory statements.

The secret service agency said, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, “Individuals or groups that may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or inimical conducts to public order will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law. Forewarned is forearmed. “The DSS has observed rising trends and patterns of incendiary comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country. Such statements run against public peace and harmony.

“It is strongly believed that a resort to acerbic pronouncements by certain persons will not only heat-up the polity, but (also) set the ground for deep-seated animosities and divisions among the populace. “Also, it serves the country no good if its own citizens, whether at home or abroad, de-market or subvert her through misleading and false narratives. “The statement added, “With the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that we should forge ahead in nation-building without rancour or acrimony.

“This is against the backdrop that reckless rhetoric have the capacity to lead to social unrest and instability, which can put the country’s well-being and the general safety of citizens at risk.“Similarly, the service urges key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to conform to the rules of engagement and, specifically, the electoral law during the 11^th November, 2023 gubernatorial elections in the areas.”Afunanya said, “The aim is to avert situations likely to undermine the processes. So far, the service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies, and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch free exercises in the affected states.” The service, therefore, implores all stakeholders, irrespective of their political affiliations or grievances, to engage in respectful and constructive conversations that promote collective understanding.

“It has, thus, become imperative that public commentaries should shift towards unity and peace necessary for national development and security. This should be our shared responsibility and, indeed, the priority of everyone.”The agency urged those on election duties, including the media and civil society organisations, to avoid situations that would inflame sentiments and cause a breakdown of law and order.

“Broadcast and monitoring activities should be devoid of manipulations,” DSS stated. It added, “Stakeholders are enjoined to note that politics should not be used to destroy the country or any part of it.”On its part, the Nigeria Police, yesterday, vowed to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of violence and their sponsors in Saturday’s governorship elections, especially in Bayelsa State.

The declaration came as tension heightened in the state, with the two major contenders, Governor Douye Diri of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former petroleum minister, Chief Timipre Sylva of All Progressives Congress (APC), trading accusations over alleged plans to perpetrate violence.Addressing a stakeholders’ meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess, Yenagoa, the DIG in charge of the election, Sokari Pedro, assured that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, was totally committed to a free, fair, safe and unhindered democratic atmosphere during the off-cycle election. But Pedro warned that no electoral offender would be spared.He stated that though Bayelsa was a peaceful state, the three senatorial zones were all volatile once it came to election, while some local governments were already being identified as flashpoints.Pedro assured the people of the state that during the election, not only culprits of violence would be dealt with, but their identified sponsors would equally be dealt with and prosecuted appropriately.

He said, “It’s a known fact that Bayelsa State is a peaceful state.“Nevertheless, it is election in a volatile state, the three senatorial zones that make up the state are politically volatile. Some local governments are flashpoints. They include Sagbama, Nembe, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw, and Brass.“These are just some of the local governments that are most volatile. Unfortunately, the youths have been identified as vanguard of election violence, and the so-called godfathers and principals are the purveyors and patrons of this, the trend of election brigandage has become a new normal for two major reasons. One, when suspects are arrested, they are treated with kid-glove, and, secondly, the sponsors are not always arrested, and when they are arrested, they are not always prosecuted. This encourages the culture of impunity.

“But we are assuring the peace-loving Bayelsans that in this election, not only culprits will be dealt with, the identified sponsors will be dealt with, the proxies will be prosecuted and the principals, in order to ensure a peaceful election in Bayelsa State.“As we leave here, officers in all the local governments have been directed to carry out a show of force. All the perpetrators of violence be put out of circulation and their sponsors, any civilian that is armed at any polling centre shall be arrested and failure to do that by the police, the police themselves or the brother agent who is responsible for such a lapse will be arrested.“Any orderly or guard that escorts his principal to the polling centre shall be arrested and thereafter tried in order room. In this case, if care is not taken, may lead to his dismissal.

“I want to assure you that at every point from voting, counting, and collation, police officers responsible there shall provide protection for peaceful voters, INEC officials, property and materials. Sanctions shall be meted to officers for any breach.“Parents and guardians have been warned to tell their children to stay away from any trouble, before, during and after the election. The youths should have the courage to advise those who sponsor them for violence to tell their children.”

IGP Orders Redeployment of 40 AIGs, CPsThe Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, ordered the posting and redeployment of 40 senior police officers, comprising 14 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 26 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to various commands and formations in the country.The Force Headquarters, in a statement, said the exercise was part of the “mandate to ensure professionally competent, service driven, rule of law compliant and people-friendly police force and to reflect the new status of senior officers, who were just recently elevated to their next ranks”.

The AIGs posted and redeployed included AIG Ogundele Joshua Ayodeji, Zone 7, Abuja; AIG Patrick Ogon Edung, Zone 11, Osogbo; AIG Badru Banji Lawal, Border Patrol FHQ; AIG Bartholomew N. Onyeka, Zone 8, Lokoja; AIG Suleiman A. Yusuf, DOPS FHQ; AIG Idowu Owohunwa, FCID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos; AIG Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Maritime Lagos; AIG Godwin N. Aghaulor, Zone 13, Ukpo Dunukofia Awka; AIG Effiom Emmanuel Ekot, ONSA, Abuja.Others were AIG Anene Ndu Innocent, CTU FHQ Abuja; AIG Odama Paul Ojeka, Zone 16, Yenagoa; AIG Ebong E. Eyibio, Zone 4, Makurdi; AIG Adebowale Williams, Zone 17, Akure; and AIG Sahabo A. Yahaya, Investment FHQ Abuja.

The 26 newly posted/redeployed Commissioners of Police included CP George Chuku, Benue State; CP Ahmed Abdullahi Tijani, Jigawa State; CP Dan Mamman E. Shawulu, Niger State; CP Usman Hayatu, Gombe State; CP Danjuma Aboki, Imo State; CP Disu Olatunji Rilwan, Rivers State; CP Joseph Eribo, Taraba State; CP Isyaku Mohammed, Osun State; Safer Highways FHQ, CP Mohammed Barde; CP Polycarp Emeka, PPP DLS FHQ; CP Shehu Kabir Abubakar, Anti-Human Trafficking; and CP Lawal Babatunde Ayodeji, Border Patrol FHQ.

Others included CP Emmanuel Agene, Maritime Lagos; CP Jude M. Azuka, Admin Air Wing; CP Dan Sabo Idi, Commandant, Police College, Kaduna; CP Ibitoye Rufus Olajide, Force Provost Marshal; CP Adamu Ngojin Isa, INEC; CP Nwanosike Wodi Okocha, Procurement DLS FHQ; CP Johnson Oluwole Adenola, PSO to IGP; CP Olanrewaju Olawale Shola, PAP Western Port Lagos; CP Shelleng Umaru Yusuf, Int’l Investigation INTERPOL; CP Emmanuel Aina, SEB FCID, Abuja; and CP Miller Gajere Dantawaiye, Info-Tech ICT FHQ Abuja.

Other affected senior officers were CP Henry Ifeanyi Uche, Director, NPF-NCCC; CP Vungmoh S.M. Kwaimo, DOPS FHQ Abuja; and CP Fasuba A. Olabode, Commandant, Police College Ikeja.

The statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the IGP charged the newly posted/redeployed officers “to work in tandem with the force policy and support the agenda of government for economic recovery and growth as well as socio-political development of the country”.

Adejobi stressed the importance of entrenching professionalism and diligent policing services to all officers and men under their commands, while calling on them to partner all relevant stakeholders to bring policing closer to the people.

The statement added that the posting was with immediate effect. (THISDAY)

Update news