Victoria Mbangwa
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba overseeing security for the upcoming Edo governorship election, has expressed concern about the ongoing challenge of curbing vote buying during elections.
In an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Mba explained that despite law enforcement’s best efforts, perpetrators often use subtle, concealed methods that make it difficult to prevent and detect such activities.
He said, “Vote buying is one of the most difficult offences to actually police and manage, and I am saying this with every sense of honesty.
“The reason is simple: the bulk of vote buying and selling that takes place doesn’t take place in the glare of the public, in the glare of the media, or in the glare of the law enforcement agents. Sometimes, they take place in the bedrooms of citizens, and we don’t have the capacity to police every bedroom, every kitchen, every toilet and every balcony.
“But our pledge is that the ones that happen in the glare of the public, the ones our security network is able to detect and intercept, we will deal with them.”Mba also reiterated the need for voters to act responsibly on election day by casting their votes and promptly returning home.
He clarified that only individuals with proper accreditation should be seen moving around during the election.
“It is important for everybody to know that if you are not accredited to carry out the functions relating to the election, you shouldn’t be out on the streets.
“If you are not an accredited personnel, just go out there, perform your civil duty, cast your votes, and return to your home.” He added.
