Esther Salifu
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has revealed that there will be a vital refining of security strategies ahead of forth coming elections
Ribadu disclosed this in a meeting with INEC chairman and team of security experts in INEC office in Abuja.
Ribadu who was represented by the Director of Internal Security at the Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi assured that the lessons learned from the isolated incidents recorded during the Edo and Ondo polls will be vital in refining security strategies, ahead of the forthcoming bye-elections in some parts of the Country, including the Governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled for 25th November later this year.
Speaking on the success of Edo state and Ondo state governorship election he appreciated INEC and security agencies for a job well done .
“The polls witnessed seamless cooperation between the security agencies, which facilitated quick response to incidents that would have significantly disrupted the exercise.
“There was also the deployment of technology, especially drones and communication systems, as well as improved surveillance and coordination, which accounted for the timely response to incidents.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed the effect of collaboration with security agencies.
He said: “Beyond the arrest of vote buyers on Election Day, our active partnership has so far resulted in the successful prosecution of some offenders in three States of the Federation
“We should continue to work together in partnership with other critical stakeholders to address the menace.
“As you are aware, nine bye-elections were conducted last year. Since then, 16 more vacancies have occurred in 12 States of the Federation involving two Senatorial Districts, five Federal Constituencies for election to the House of Representatives, and nine State Assembly Constituencies.
“In due course, the Commission will make the delimitation details available to you to guide your operational deployment for forthcoming elections. This will include the detailed locations of the Polling Units, the Registration Area Centres, the Wards, Local Government, and State collation centres.
“As usual, we will also provide you with information on the terrain, including difficult land and riverine locations. We will also make available to you our preliminary assessment of the security situation that may warrant your special attention.
“Our experience in the management of logistics during the last Ondo State Governorship election provides the template for future elections. Better coordination in the deployment of security and electoral officials contributed to the early commencement of polls and peaceful conduct of the election, despite the challenging terrain, especially in the riverine areas.
“The forthcoming Governorship election in Anambra State must be similarly well coordinated. Together, we should continue to give Nigerians a happy experience on Election Day and beyond”.
