An international organization, Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, wants the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to ensure adequate training and security for its officers ahead of next year’s election.
The Regional Director, Anglophone and Lusophone of the Organisation, Dr Babatunde Afolabi made the call in Abuja on Monday during a Book Presentation on “Post Election Assessment of Conflict Management Mechanisms in Nigeria, 2019 and Beyond”.
Dr Afolabi also stressed the need for stakeholders to champion public enlightenment on the importance of violence free election and address other factors reflected in the Book including fake news and vote buying.
“I hereby implore that relevant Stakeholders such as INEC, Security Officer, Political Parties, CSO, and election observers as well as interested Public to read and reflect upon the findings contained in this study as their useful messages and the insight that would further enrich our electoral processes”.He said
Similarly, a former Chairman, of INEC, Prof Attairu Jega said providing adequate security for officials of the umpire would serve a morale boost for them.
“I truly hope that our Security agencies will really provide desire Supports to INEC, so that we stop this unwholesome incidences and ensure that our Elections are free, fair and Credible” .Prof Jega said.
The INEC Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity in the Commission, Mr Chukwuemeka Ugboaja said the Book was apt as it was geared towards ensuring peace before, during and after election..
Also, the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Annette Gunther called on the Federal Government to ensure public trust for active participation of the citizenry in the forthcoming election.
