The Special Military Task Force on the Jos crisis
yesterday, said that the general elections beginning tomorrow will be
hitch free in Plateau State.
Addressing the press in Jos to discuss the level of
preparedness of the force to contend with possible upsurge of violence
associated with elections, the Task Force Commander, Hassan Umaru, said
there has been a step up of security surveillance and adequate
mobilization to quell any acts of violence.
“The successful conduct of free and credible
elections has remained one of the universal criteria for evaluating a
nation’s democratic standard,” Mr Umaru said. “Since Nigeria has firmly
taken her place among the world’s strong democracies, it cannot afford
to fail this test at this time”.
Explaining why Plateau is crucial to the success of
the exercise, Mr Umaru said the anxious question on most people’s minds
is what will happen in Plateau State.
“I am sure that I speak the minds of all peace-loving
citizens of this beautiful state when I say it will be well on the
Plateau”, he said.
He said although these are challenging times in the
state and the upcoming general elections portend even additional
security challenges for the residents, the security agencies are
determined to protect lives and property during the exercise.
“I want to reassure the entire people of this state
that the STF and all other security agencies have put necessary
measures in place to ensure maximum protection of lives and property
during the period,” the task force commander said.
Calling for cooperation and understanding from
members of the public, Mr Umaru said no sacrifice is too much for the
lofty objective of a successful election.
“There will be tighter security arrangements in place
in all the local government areas throughout the election period,” he
said. “Whatever inconvenience or irritation these measures may cause
are insignificant in relation to the goal of guaranteeing safety of
lives and property.” Heightened security
He also said there will be heightened security
presence and activities at all the entry points into the state
throughout the election period, saying all vehicles coming into the
state will be searched thoroughly for arms and explosives.
“Members of the STF have orders to stop movement of
vehicles and motor cycles from 12am Friday to 12am Saturday on each
election day,” he said.
This is coming as the main parties in the state, the PDP and the Labour Party, exchange accusations.
While the Labour Party claimed that it has uncovered
plans by the PDP to destabilize some of its strongholds ahead of
Saturday’s poll, the ruling PDP said it took exception to what it
describes as “the increasing recklessness and rumour-mongering by the
Labour Party.” Labour party spokesperson, Sylvanus Namang, said its
opponents plan to cause mischief in six local government areas,
including Jos North, Mangu, Bassa, Bokkos, Shendam and Kanam.
The raging war between the PDP and Labour Party is not unexpected.
What started as frosty relations between the state governor Jonah Jang
and his deputy, Pauline Tallen later worsened the crisis in the PDP and
polarized the state’s House of Assembly. While Mr Jang emerged the PDP
gubernatorial candidate, with his former chief of staff, Ignatius
Longjam as running mate; Mrs. Tallen secured Labour Party’s
gubernatorial ticket, with Pam Dung Gyang, as her running mate.
