Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu has said that INEC is determined to proceed with the Anambra State Governorship election as scheduled.
“The safety and protection of voters, our personnel, accredited observers, the media and materials are cardinal considerations in any election. We have been assured by the security agencies of a secure environment for the election.
At a special meeting of Interagency Consultative Committee On Election Security (ICCES) on Anambra Governorship election held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Professor said: “I am sure the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State in his briefing, will provide more details regarding preparations on the ground.”
He acknowledged the continued support of security agencies to the Commission during elections, especially the high level of professional conduct of the agencies in the last two major elections in Edo and Ondo States.
“Indeed, Edo and Ondo have become the standard for securing elections in Nigeria. The professionalism and neutrality exhibited by the security agencies in the two elections have been widely praised nationally and internationally.
“We are confident that this will be replicated in Anambra State.”
He expressed the gratitude of the Commission for the support received from religious, traditional and community leaders for peaceful elections.
“The Commission is also working with the National Peace Committee under the leadership of our respected former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar GCFR, to bring all political parties and candidates for the Anambra State Governorship election to commit to peace before, during and after the elections.
“We appreciate this wide-ranging support and I wish to reassure the registered voters in Anambra State that the choice of the next Governor lies in their hands. I urge all and sundry to play their part in ensuring a free, fair, credible and peaceful Governorship election in Anambra State.”
Those who were at the meeting were the NSA and Co-Chair of ICCES, representative of the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Commandant General of the NSCDC, representative of the DG, DSS and representatives of Various Security Organisations.
