Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, has deployed 22, 600 personnel of the Corps for the November 11 off -cycle election in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States.
The Commandant General, CG of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi said this would help to ensure free, fair and credible gubernatorial elections in the three states.
The Commandant charged the personnel which comprises of men and womenof the Corps, to maintain high ethical standards, discipline, professional conduct and remain apolitical
The CG reiterated its commitment to support democratic governance and processes; and explained that the deployment was to provide water-tight security for the electorate, officials, other stakeholders, and sensitive and non-sensitive materials before, during and after the exercise in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.
He extends his call to residents of the three states, urging them to cooperate with the NSCDC and sister agencies and shun any act capable of thwarting the strategic plans put on the ground for the peaceful conduct of the elections.
The Commandant General warns against any act of thuggery, ballot box snatching, and other acts that could mar the exercise and call on politicians to caution their supporters, emphasizing that sabotage will not be condoned.
“The Corps made the mass deployment in the affected states where elections are to be held. Our personnel are adequately briefed on how to discharge their duties in synergy with other security agencies and stakeholders,” CG stated.
He assures that “we will remain neutral on the field to ensure the security of electorate, other stakeholders and election officials and no act of sabotage will be tolerated.”
Continuing, he says; “to have a hitch-free exercise, undercover operatives, Arms Squad, operatives in the Counter-Terrorism, CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Female Special Force, Rapid Response Squad, Crack Squad and Anti-vandal Unit are all detailed to prevent any vacuum which saboteurs may leverage on to perpetrate any act that could breach the peace in the states…”
To supporters of different political parties, the Corps helmsman advises them to adhere to the rules of the game set by the electoral umpire and not to indulge in any act that could cause chaos before, during and after the election.
He stressed the need for contestants to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship by either accepting the outcome of the scheduled election or seek redress as provided by the law.
Confidence Okwuchi
