Security operatives must ensure peaceful Edo, Ondo polls -PSC Chairman

As the nation prepares for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has emphasized the need for security operatives to maintain the highest level of professionalism and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Speaking at the Election Security Management Symposium organized by JoshTech Security and Safety Consult Ltd in collaboration with the University of Lagos (UNILAG Consult) on Thursday, August 15, 2024, DIG Argungu stressed that the security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, must protect lives and properties of citizens before, during, and after the elections.

The PSC Chairman noted that security personnel should identify, surveil, and monitor all known subversive elements, including terrorist groups, political dissidents, pressure groups, and other criminal elements, to prevent any disruptions to the electoral process.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful conditions and law and order around polling and collation centers.

DIG Argungu assured that the staff of the Commission would continue to carry out oversight functions on policemen on election duties to protect the integrity of the elections.

The symposium brought together seasoned security chiefs, experts, policymakers, researchers, selected civil society organizations (CSOs), party chieftains, and delegations from the electoral umpire to discuss strategies for ensuring peaceful elections.

With the Edo and Ondo governorship elections scheduled for September and November, respectively, the call for peaceful and secure elections has become increasingly important.

The symposium provided a platform for stakeholders to share ideas and best practices in election security management, with the ultimate goal of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

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