Ahead of the Ondo state governorship election in the state, the Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced a two-day training workshop for senior security personnel, with assurance that security operatives to be deployed for the election will be equipped
with requisite skills and knowledge needed to ensure adequate security at the polling units.
The National Commissioner and Chairman Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, who stated this during a three-day training said providing effective security during the elections was a national assignment that must be carried out with due responsibility.
Zuru who commended the security agencies for always doing their best in ensuring the protection of lives and properties of the citizens at all time, appreciating the security personnel from various security agencies such as the police, Army force, road safety, civil defense, immigration, custom among others.
He said off-cycle elections such as the forthcoming Ondo State election have always been most challenging as it gives political actors the opportunity to concentrate their human and material resources to circumvent electoral process.
According to him, this is one of the reasons that INEC needed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure safety of voters to ensure free, fair and credible election.
He said the training is an opportunity for the commission to further enhance synergy between INEC and security agencies in ensuring that a tranquil electoral environment is provided for deployment of electoral materials, equipment, personnel and free movement of voters and election personnel.
He said “It is pertinent to remind ourselves that off cycle elections in Nigeria are inherently more challenging than general election because it gives political actors opportunity to concentrate their human and material resources to circumvent the electoral process.
“INEC and security agencies must continuously enhance collaboration to ensure that the vote of every vote counts and the people of Ondo State decide who governs them through the ballot box.
“This training is therefore an opportunity for the commission to further enhance synergy between INEC and the security agencies and ultimately ensure that a tranquil electoral environment is provided for deployment of electoral materials, equipment and personnel as well as peaceful movement of voters.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Electoral Institute, TEI, Dr. Sa’ad Idris, identified security as a critical stakeholders in protecting electoral personnel, locations and processes.
He described the security personnel as the guardian of democratic process, noting that their expertise and professionalism are crucial in maintaining peace, order and fairness throughout the electoral process.
He also disclosed that during the training, the security personnel will be equipped with knowledge, skills and best necessary practices to excel in their duties.
“During the training, we will equip you with the knowledge, skills and best practices necessary to excel in your duties, we will also cover topics such as crowd control, conflict resolution and emergency response, as well as the importance of neutrality, impartiality, and respect for human right,” he said.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
