BENIN CITY – Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Adegbuyi has reminded politicians and political stakeholders of the need to ensure a peaceful general elections in the state.
COMPOL Adegbuyi gave the reminder while addressing a security-political stakeholders meeting organized by Edo Police Command, Benin, yesterday.
The well-attended meeting was held at the conference hall in Edo Police Command Headquarters, Benin City.
The police chief enjoined the stakeholders to play the game according to the rules in the interest of peace and unity of the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
He, however assured that the police in collaboration with other security agencies was ready to provide watertight security before, during and after the elections.
Speaking at the event, the Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Barr. Mike Igini disclosed that as at Monday, March 16, 2015 a total of 1, 224, 608 Permanent Voter Cards, PVC have been distributed out of the 1, 781, 165 registered voters in Edo State.
He stated that INEC has made arrangements for free, fair and credible polls to take place in the 2627 polling units and 1152 voting points across Edo State.
Barr. Igini however dispelled fears, rumours and insinuations being entertained by some individuals, groups and political parties about the security, efficacy and efficiency of the card readers.
“Our logistics arrangements have been test runned and ok. As for Card readers, we’re ready to go”. Barr. Igini stated.
The INEC boss in Edo however disclosed that the major challenge faced by the commission is to mobilize the over one million eligible voters in Edo to cast their votes.
He, called on political parties and National Orientation Agency to join forces with INEC in educating voters and creating election-related awareness.
Highpoint of the meeting was the signing of a peace pact by political parties in the state.
Among other security chiefs present at the event were the state Director of the Department of State Security, DSS, Mr. Tukur Bakori, Nigeria Prisons and Edo State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission.
