6th May, 2016
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Samuel Olumekun, has expressed worry over the proliferation of light arms in the build up to the September 10 governorship election in the state.
He stated this on Thursday in Benin during a stakeholders meeting with security operatives and representatives of political parties taking part in the election.
Olumekun who described situation as a “disturbing trend,” blamed desperate politicians for the ugly development.
“In my view, the political class has a very critical roles to play in reducing violence in elections in Nigeria.
“It is who Edo People choose to be Governor that will be the next Governor. Leaders should build on goodwill of their people to have a just society. Proliferation of small arms is very worrisome,” he said.
Commenting on the issue of security during the election, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike, assured stakeholders that the “Police are ready to enforce the law and bring perpetrators of election violence to book.”
On his part, the State Director of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Ibrahim Aliu, warned against hate speeches, thuggery and unauthorised use of fire arms and inciting comments by politicians, aspirants seeking elective positions and their supporters.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Edo State REC disclosed that INEC has fixed June 1 to 5, 2016 as the tentative date for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across the 18 local government area s of the state.
He however clarified that the date was subject to the final approval of the national headquarters of the Commission.
Olumekun who described Edo people as “sophisticated and well informed,” assured that voters who were registered by the Commission during previous exercise, will get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) before the forth coming gubernatorial election.
He said the CVR would help to minimise incidences of multiple registration,
In his speech, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Anselm Ojezua, tasked the various security agencies to “generate sufficient courage” that could help to put electoral violence at bay.
Participants at the meeting who kicked against inconclusive elections, also advised against the misuse of security details assigned to politicians for protection.
Twenty of the 23 registered political parties in the state were represented at the stakeholders’ meeting.