Imo Guber: INEC Laments Over Insecurity, Shortfall Of Staff
Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has expressed worry over the spate of insecurity in Imo State ahead of the forthcoming November 11th governorship election in the state.
The situation according to the Commission has resulted in shortfall of manpower needed for the conduct of the poll in the state as most persons are afraid to apply for positions such as Presiding and Collation Officers for fear of the unknown.
The Commission’s National Commissioner for Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Abuja, Mallam Muhammed Kudu Haruna stated this at a meeting with media executives in Imo State, held at Owerri, Wednesday.
Haruna urged stakeholders in the state including the politicians, security operatives, political parties and the media to uphold and advocate peace, stressing that only such would guarantee credible conduct of the coming election in the state.
The INEC boss said, “We have gone so far with our preparedness for the off cycle elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States.
“But the Commission is truly worried about the growing level of insecurity and violence, in Kogi and Imo States. This is unacceptable, unnecessary and not healthy for our democracy.
He continued, “Campaigns in Kogi State, has been violent and this is most unfortunate. Our political gladiators and indeed, all citizens, must work towards ensuring a free, fair and credible elections.
“It stands to reason that if this situation is allowed to continue, there is the likelihood that people will be afraid to come out to vote, on the election day.”
“Already, INEC is having a shortfall in the number of ad-hoc staff needed to superintend over the forthcoming elections. This is because most people expected to work are afraid of their safety.” he added.
And to journalists, the INEC boss advised, “in reporting the activities of the Commission, pre-election, election, and post- activities, we plead with the media to be factual, objective, and professional in their reportage.”
Earlier in her speech, the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Prof. Sylvia Agu said the essence of media meeting was, “to enlighten the media practitioners on guidelines, processes and procedures ahead of the governorship election in Imo State.”
