Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, KOSIEC, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible Local Government election scheduled for Oct. 17.
Mr Mamman Nda-Eri, Chairman of KOSIEC, made the call yesterday in Lokoja during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police in Kogi, CP Naziru Kankarofi, who also chairs the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES.
Nda-Eri stressed the need to identify potential security threats, map out flashpoints and guarantee the safety of voters before, during and after the election.
He said that the commission was working to strengthen collaboration and real-time communication among security agencies, with emphasis on impartiality, rule of law and respect for human rights.
According to him, ICCES meetings are expected to produce actionable outcomes that will enhance preparedness and ensure that the election reflects the will of the people.
The chairman assured of KOSIEC’s readiness to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders toward a successful exercise.
In his response, Kankarofi assured residents of adequate security arrangements for the forthcoming polls.
He said all federal security agencies had been fully mobilised to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The Police Commissioner explained that ICCES comprised only federal security agencies, adding that auxiliary groups such as vigilantes, hunters and other local outfits would not participate in the conduct, monitoring or supervision of the election.
“We have conducted an extensive assessment of the security landscape and deliberated on all critical areas to ensure a peaceful Local Government election”, he said.
Kankarofi noted that although the state experienced security challenges in the past year, recent clearance operations carried out since January had significantly improved the situation.
“Since our operations began earlier this year, we have witnessed a considerable level of peace.
“Our focus now is to consolidate these gains and ensure the elections are conducted in a calm and secure environment”, he said.
He urged residents to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic rights, assuring them of adequate security.
The Commissioner also highlighted the state’s strategic location, bordered by about 10 states, noting that measures had been put in place to address both internal and cross-border security concerns.
He warned individuals or groups planning to disrupt the election to desist, stressing that security agencies were fully prepared to deal with any threat.
“We will not allow anyone to undermine the democratic process. All movements will be closely monitored and protected”, he said.
Kankarofi reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to ensuring a peaceful and successful election.
