NSCDC Expresses Commitment To Peaceful Election In Ondo
By Bukar BOLORI
In a bid to reassure the public of adequate security and protection in the Saturday Ondo Governorship Election; the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi has reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible election in Ondo State.
Audi demonstrated this readiness while speaking through the Deputy Commandant General Operations, DCG Philip Ayuba, who attended a strategic meeting with the Deputy Inspector General, Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force-CID) who also doubles as DIG Election Security, DIG Sylvester Alabi.
Ayuba said the CG has given a direct order that all officers must be apolitical and neutral, and as such, the fundamental human rights of the citizens must be protected, and there should be no occasion for comprise amongst security operatives or disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
He noted that the mandate of NSCDC in Safeguarding all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure covers all election materials, which he said have been rated very critical because any act of vandalism or destruction through election violence would, of course, hamper the smooth process and peaceful conduct of the elections.
The NSCDC Boss hinted that over 6225 operatives were drafted from 10 neighbouring States, FCT and the Corps’ National Headquarters, noting that both overt and covert operational personnel are already on the ground for election duty.
The Corps’ Helmsman said there is an existing synergy between the Nigeria Police, the NSCDC and other security agencies; therefore all security agencies have been effectively briefed on the need to work in collaboration and guard against violence, destruction of public utilities, ballot box snatching, rigging, vote buying, thuggery and other associated crimes.
He further said there is no cause for alarm; hence, the public is enjoined to come out and exercise their constitutional rights without fear or any form of apprehension.
