Kogi State: INEC, Police Promise Peaceful, Credible Guber Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Police Force have pledged a peaceful and credible governorship election in Kogi State come November 11.

The Kogi State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Gabriel Longpet, and the Kogi Police Command’s Spokesman, Superintendent of Police (SP) Williams Ovye-Aya, gave the assurance during a workshop organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) for 26 journalists in Abuja.

Longpet said that the Commission has made adequate preparations to consolidate on the last February 25 and March 18 polls to ensure that the November 11 governorship election is peaceful, hitch-free, fair and credible.

“We hope to ensure that all results of the governorship election in the 3,508 polling units in 239 wards across the State are transmitted electronically to do away with any attempt at tampering with manual results on transfer to collation centres.

“We are in synergy with all stakeholders, including the security operatives, civil society organizations (CSOs) and the Media to ensure we get it right come November 11,” he said.

The REC called on all the 18 political parties and candidates participating in the election to educate and sensitize their members and supporters to the need to conduct themselves orderly for a peaceful election.

Ovye-Aya, for his part, said the Police were prepared to ensure tight security during the Kogi guber election to checkmate the activities of criminal elements, who may want to disrupt the process.

“Security operatives in Kogi are not going to leave anything to chance and will protect all electorates before, during and after the election.

“All troublemakers, especially political thugs, should know that we shall deal with them in accordance with the law,” he warned.

The IPC Media Workshop was aimed at enlightening practitioners in Kogi State on their significant roles in ensuring a peaceful and successful conduct of the guber election come November 11.

NAN