The Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Gad Peter, in a release on Wednesday has called for vigilance and cooperation over election security threats in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states elections.
The Foundation made the call while expressing fears of potential violence ahead of November 11th off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States which it considered to be volatile.
According to the statement, the CLEEN Foundation boss identified some flashpoints in each of the states where is potential risk of weaponization of social media, drugs, small arms and light weapons, separatist groups, militias and voter suppression as drivers of conflict, misinformation and instability as has been clearly shown in the political antecedents of these states.
“In Imo State, places like Orlu, Orsu, Oru-East, Ohaji-Egbema, Ngor-Okpala, Ehime-Mbano, Isiala-Mbano, Okigwe, Njaba, Mbaitolu, Oguta, Onuimo are Local Government Areas that the Nigeria police and other security agencies should pay attention to.
“In Kogi State, special attention should be given to Kogi Central, Kogi West, Ofu, Olamaboro, Omala, Dekina, Ajaokuta, Okene, Adavi, Okehi and Ijumu. Indicators have thrown up these locations.
“While in Bayelsa State, the traditional locations of Brass, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, Sagbama, Ogbia require strategic attention.”
Peter also recommended that, “The Nigeria Police alongside all security agencies should put together adequate security infrastructure in volatile LGAs ahead of the elections as a measure to prevent, contain and deter any form of violence that might play out.
“Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security: INEC should activate and institutionalize its Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to enhance pre, during and post-election electoral security in these states. This will encourage civic engagement and voter registration to increase citizen involvement in the electoral process.
“Election Stakeholders’ Collaborative Efforts: We encourage all relevant stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, electoral bodies and civil society organizations in these states, to collaborate closely and share information to mitigate security risks. Security agencies should implement proactive measures to identify and address potential security threats, such as monitoring and addressing the activities of political thugs.
“Civil Society and Media Vigilance: Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. We commend the efforts of community watch groups and encourage their active participation in safeguarding the electoral process. We implore the IGP to ensure that security agencies act professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law. Provide them with adequate training on election security and human rights.
“Peaceful Conduct: Political parties and their supporters are reminded of the importance of peaceful conduct before, during, and after the elections. We call for strict adherence to the principles of non-violence as enshrined in the Electoral Act. Government must ensure that security agencies act professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law. Provide them with adequate training on election security and human rights.
“Respect for the Rule of Law: We remind all actors of the importance of respecting the rule of law and the independence of the electoral institutions responsible for conducting the elections. We encourage political parties to conduct issue-based campaigns, refrain from hate speech and incitement, abide by the INEC code of conduct for political parties and adhere to campaign finance regulations.”