BENIN CITY-Security agencies, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political stakeholders in Edo State have agreed to synergize towards a peaceful and credible conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial polls in the state.
This was part of resolutions reached at a one-day security meeting with political stakeholders convened by the Edo State Police Command in Benin City, yesterday.
Participants at the event also resolved to eschew hate speeches, thuggery, and the use of armed gangs, cultists and illegal firearms before, during and after the election.
Reading a communiqué released at the end of the meeting, the state commissioner of police Mr Chris Ezike disclosed that it was a general consensus that the forthcoming election should be used as a model of credible and fair election for other states in Nigeria.
It was further agreed that applications for political rallies/meetings must be made 48 hours before the date of the occasion as where there is conflict between applications from different political parties regarding venue, the first in time would prevail, to avoid violence.
The Commissioner of Police Mr Chris Ezike assured that the police would enforce the law and bring perpetrators of election violence to book.
The REC, Mr Sam Olumekun also assured the political class of the reediness of INEC to conduct free, fair and credible election in the state.
It was however noted that the bulk of the political violence comes from the youths/supporters who follow the body language of political masters, hence, the need for political leaders to deemphasise violence.
Participants also agreed to security agencies that will participate in the forthcoming election should be neutral in the discharge of their duties.
The gathering held at the Police Officers Mess in GRA, Benin City was attended by the State Director, Department of State Services (DSS) Mr Ibrahim Halilu, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mr. Walter Chiko, Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr Sam Olumekun and representatives of 20 out of the 23 registered political parties.
