Dr Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State, has solicited security agencies support ahead of the June 20 Ondo South Senatorial by-election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ondo South Senatorial seat was declared vacant after Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, member representing the district at the Senate, was appointed as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN).
Agboke, who was recently posted to Ondo State as the 21st REC, made the call during a courtesy visit to the head of State Security Service (SSS) and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) in Akure.
The REC, who promised to visit other head of security agencies, described the security agencies as key components of the election activities, while their roles could not be over emphasised.
According to him, the visitation is to change the narrative of what INEC does with a view to let people know that our activities are not just by us and for the commission alone.
“So Police, NSCDC, FRSC, SSS, NCS, Nigeria Army, NOA, Federal Fire Service, ICPC are the major key components in conducting a free and fair election.
“Unless we have the input of all the security agencies and paramilitary, INEC cannot achieve success
“So, Ondo South Senatorial by-election election is coming up by June 20, we want them as major stakeholders to all be at alert in the readiness for the election,” he said.
Agboke also said the commission would ensure that the atmosphere of the election was free and fair, and assured the people of the area that their votes would count.
“I want to assure the people of Ondo South Senatorial District that whoever wins will be determined by their votes and their votes will count,” he said.
Responding, Mr Samaila Sagiru, State Director of SSS, reiterated the command’s commitment to provide security for the staff of the commission and ensure the by-election was conducted in a good atmosphere.
According to him, the synergy to deepen our democracy has no alternative, hence, we are ready for the election.
“We will ensure a free and fair exercise and no security breach will happen during and after the election,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Charles Oyewole, Controller, NCS, Ondo State Command, commended the REC for his visitation, saying the by-election was a national assignment that needed to be carried out by all.
“It is under a secured environment that an election could be conducted peacefully. We are ready whenever we are called upon to assist. Election malpractice is an offence that people must shun by all means,” he said. (NAN)
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