INEC pledges readiness, justifies polls shift

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday pledged its readiness for next week’s governorship polls.

The commission’s state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr. Sam Olumekun spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City.

Olumekun added that the postponement of the election from its earlier date would not have any negative effect on its outcome.

The REC said the commission would conduct conclusive, free and credible polls.

He appealed to the security agencies to deploy their personnel early enough to man their duty posts.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Benin, Mr. Isaac Eke, explained that the security agencies would do everything possible to protect the people, during and after the election.

He promised the 19 political parties that are participating in the election that the police would provide a level-playing ground during the process.

The newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Mr. Haliru Gwandu, also appealed to the stakeholders for cooperation.

He urged the political parties and their supporters to eschew violence and intimidation of electoral officials, including the ad-hoc staff whose primary duty is to conduct the elections.

Gwandu pleaded with the people not to see election as a do-or-die affair.

According to Gwandu: “Those who want to invite thugs from neighbouring states should jettison the idea, as the security operatives are on ground to nip such plans in the bud.’’