BENIN CITY – The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of police, Zone 5′ Mr Dibal Paul Yakadi has enjoined all stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election is credible, fair and violence free.

Also, the AIG called on the state government to liaise with heads of security agencies to deploy enough personnel and logistics to beef up security before, during and after the election.

He charged security agencies and INEC to be neutral and non-partisan in the discharge of their duties just as he emphasized the significance of early-warning signal in nipping electoral crisis in the bud.

The zonal police boss stated this while delivering a speech at a forum organised by the police for all stakeholders in the September 19 Edo guber poll.

AIG Yakadi said the essence of the gathering was to ensure that the forthcoming Edo election meets international best standard.

He identified causes of election violence to include unemployment, easy access to and consumption of illicit drugs, imposition of candidates, lack of party internal democracy, rigging, get-rich-guick syndrome and proliferation of firearms.

To curb violence during and after the election, the police chief advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to be professional in the discharge of their responsibilities.

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He also enjoined political parties and their candidates to sincerely condemn electoral violence during their campaigns.

Community, traditional and religious leaders were however advised to avoid campaigning for political parties under the guise of town hall meetings.

The meeting which held at Imaguero College hall, Benin City was attended by security chiefs, immigration, Federal Road Safety Corps, representatives of INEC, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, youths organisations, Police Community Relations Communitee, among others in Edo State.

There was also comments/ questions session at the gathering.

Earlier, the commissioner of police, Edo State CP Johnson Babatunde Kokumo welcomed guests to the event.

He noted that the forum was convened to address issues that are inimical to free, fair and credible Edo 2020 governorship election.