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Edo Election 2024:: Tension Builds as Security Forces Deploy Personnel

… About 35,000 Security Personnel Deployed

Published

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 02:11 PM

Written by Love Patience Tarimoboere

Edo Election 2024:: Tension Builds as Security Forces Deploy Personnel

Tensions are running high in Edo State as the first batch of security personnel, including police officers, soldiers, and officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arrive ahead of Saturday's governorship election.

The deployment of 35,000 armed forces is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free poll, especially with 17 political parties vying to take over from incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The leading contenders include Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

According to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military’s presence is crucial in guaranteeing a safe environment for voters and preventing violence.

“The military is resolute on taking steps to ensure a hitch-free election in Edo State”.

The corps spokesman Afolabi Babawale explained in a breakdown;

“Edo State will contribute 3,626 officers to the operation. Additionally, 607 special forces, including intelligence squads, anti-vandal units, and specialised security teams will be mobilised from the NSCDC national headquarters”.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the military’s involvement, citing a 2015 Federal High Court ruling that bars soldiers from participating in elections. Security expert Taofik Onigbanjo cautioned against intimidating residents.

“The military presence is good to discourage those who are may want to cause trouble on before the election. I have seen the soldiers in several areas in town and their presence will be good for the smooth conduct of the election,” Onigbanjo said.

“However, the election should not be too militarised so that it will not appear like voters, party leaders and others are being intimidated because this can put a question mark on the credibility of the election.”

It is also understood that the police deployment, led by Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, aims to maintain law and order. Spokesman Moses Yamu confirmed the arrival of the first batch of officers, with the Deputy Inspector-General expected to brief the media soon.

However, the NSCDC has deployed 6,433 personnel to ensure a peaceful electoral process, with officers set to arrive on Thursday.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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Edo Election 2024:: Tension Builds as Security Forces Deploy Personnel

Tensions are running high in Edo State as the first batch of security personnel, including police officers, soldiers, and officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arrive ahead of Saturday's governorship election.

The deployment of 35,000 armed forces is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free poll, especially with 17 political parties vying to take over from incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The leading contenders include Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

According to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military’s presence is crucial in guaranteeing a safe environment for voters and preventing violence.

“The military is resolute on taking steps to ensure a hitch-free election in Edo State”.

The corps spokesman Afolabi Babawale explained in a breakdown;

“Edo State will contribute 3,626 officers to the operation. Additionally, 607 special forces, including intelligence squads, anti-vandal units, and specialised security teams will be mobilised from the NSCDC national headquarters”.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the military’s involvement, citing a 2015 Federal High Court ruling that bars soldiers from participating in elections. Security expert Taofik Onigbanjo cautioned against intimidating residents.

“The military presence is good to discourage those who are may want to cause trouble on before the election. I have seen the soldiers in several areas in town and their presence will be good for the smooth conduct of the election,” Onigbanjo said.

“However, the election should not be too militarised so that it will not appear like voters, party leaders and others are being intimidated because this can put a question mark on the credibility of the election.”

It is also understood that the police deployment, led by Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, aims to maintain law and order. Spokesman Moses Yamu confirmed the arrival of the first batch of officers, with the Deputy Inspector-General expected to brief the media soon.

However, the NSCDC has deployed 6,433 personnel to ensure a peaceful electoral process, with officers set to arrive on Thursday.

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