INEC Partners Navy, NAF on Bayelsa, Kogi Guber Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has mapped out strategies to degrade threats to the conduct of the Kogi and Bayelsa States’ governorship elections scheduled to hold on November 16.

INEC also disclosed that it is partnering with the Nigerian Navy and Air Force to provide security for its personnel and materials during the elections.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and

Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, made the disclosure at a dialogue session with Resident Electoral Commissioners, (REC), in Abuja ahead of the two elections.

In addition, Okoye revealed that the commission has banned some ad-hoc staff who abused the trust reposed on them during the 2019 general elections.

He said that given “the challenges of topography in the two states and their unfortunate history of electoral violence, we have mapped out strategies of degrading threats to the conduct of elections and ensuring the safety of materials and personnel.

“We are also in consultation and partnership with the Nigerian Navy and Air Force for the purposes of providing security for our personnel and materials.

“As part of its preparations for both governorship elections, the commission has embarked on sustained and targeted voter education, stakeholder engagements and peace building initiatives.

“To this end, it (INEC) has, through its Alternative Dispute Resolution Directorate, met with traditional rulers, religious leaders and youth groups in the states who have committed to ensuring peaceful elections.

“However, the Commission has banned some ad-hoc staff who abused the trust reposed on them during the 2019 general elections.”

He urged Nigerians to have faith in the country’s electoral process and work for the consolidation its democratic system.