Prof Attahiru Jega, Chairman, Independent Natioanl Electoral Commission (INEC), has warned that security agencies would apprehend and prosecute electoral offenders during the July 14 Edo governorship poll.
Jega, accompanied by the acting Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, gave the warning in Benin on Wednesday at a meeting with stakeholders.
“Even if the offender is a permanent? INEC or? ad hoc staff, i want to repeat that anybody who commits electoral fraud on election day will be arrested and prosecuted in line with the electoral guide lines.''
?According to him, the order on the restriction of movement on the day of the election would be fully enforced.
“There would be no VIP movement or convoy of any sort on election day. We are saying that in accordance with the law; VIP convoy of any sort is banned as we have done in all previous elections.
?“I urge everybody irrespective of persons to comply with this order.''
On whether voters can wait at polling units after casting their votes, he said “we will accept a situation where the voters would decide to stay back after voting, but they must not be unruly otherwise the security personnel may ask them to leave''.
?Jega advised political parties and their candidates to appoint only trusted people as agents to represent their interests during the election.
He assured that the commission would not fail in its responsibilities.
?“For us, INEC is ready and has done everything possible to conduct a free, fair and credible election on Saturday??
?“We cannot afford to fail because the eyes of the people and the international community will be watching. Therefore, we must ensure that we do our best.''
He also allayed the concern of politicians on the list of registered voters, saying the commission would use only authentic voter register.
In his remark, the Inspector General reassured the candidates and the people of the state that adequate security measures were being taken to ensure their safety during and after the election.
?“I am using this forum to warn all VIPs to ensure that they comply with the INEC directive and all security personnel must wear INEC accredited tags.
“I want to urge the people to come out to vote as each polling station will have at least five armed police personnel.''
Abubakar advised politicians and other stakeholders to desist from making spurious allegations, comments and statements capable of causing unnecessary tension in the state.
?In their separate remarks, two of the candidates, Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of ACN and Maj-Gen Charles Airhiavbere of the PDP,?? pledged to ensure that the election was peaceful.
Oshiomhole alerted the commission on the circulation of fake INEC tag and voter cards.
On his part, Airhiavbere appealed to security agencies to investigate report of security uniforms allegedly procured for distribution to militants to rig the election.
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