Ahead of the 2019 General Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that the forthcoming general elections in the country are conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.
INEC said it has therefore put in place measures to guide against rigging or any form of election irregularities.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Nentawe Yilwatda disclosed this in Makurdi at an expanded stakeholders meeting held at the J.S Tarka foundation.
Giving out briefs on the 2919 election, the INEC Commissioner highlighted some of the measures taken to include provision of free call lines, withdrawal of security aides of government officials on election day as well as tracking of vehicles and electoral materials to avoid any form of diversion.
Nentawe also stated that INEC has invited the international community to come and observe the election saying “they are here to keep an eye on us and all political stakeholders to ensure we play by the rules. We want to see that we reduce rigging to the barest minimum during the election.”
The REC also said that those with no Permanent Voters Card, PVC, would not be allowed to vote just as they would enforce the “no movement order” to prevent ballot snatching, kidnapping of electoral officials among other crimes.
He further explained that no one including security officers, will be allowed into the polling boots with arms. “We want people, especially those at IDP camps, to have the confidence to come out to vote without harassment.”
The INEC Commissioner therefore directed the Police and other security operatives to arrest and prosecute anyone found with more than one PVC or arms (from Missiles to sticks ) on Election Day.
INEC thanked all stakeholders for their support and cooperation so far and urged all to demonstrate confidence in the capacity of the electoral body to deliver on its promise.
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Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, the Paramount Ruler of the Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof James Ayatse, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Professor Eugene Aliegba, CSOs and other key stakeholders raised concerns regarding some of the policies made by INEC and the general conduct of the elections.
They urged INEC to reduce the tension in the state by instilling confidence in the electoral process for credible elections and an acceptable result.
Governor Ortom stated that the PDP in Benue state looked forward to a credible, free and fair election saying “once your presentations here corresponds with what will be done at the elections, there will not be issues”.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Omololu Bishi expressed the readiness of the police, in conjunction with sister agencies, to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections.
The Commissioner, who said the Police would be non partisan also assured of free, fair and peaceful elections and urged active players in the electoral process to play the game according to the rules.
CP Bishi represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance, disclosed that the police will deploy 1400 personnel to polling units in the state and urged everyone to be civil and keep to the electoral laws.
The expanded stakeholders had in attendance political parties, traditional and religious class, heads of Security as well as non governmental organisations, international and domestic observers, and the youth as well as he media.
