Ahmed Audi, the commandant-general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has assured the Imo electorate of maximum security in Saturday’s gubernatorial election.

Mr Audi gave the assurance while addressing the 4,650 operatives of the NSCDC deployed to Imo for the election in Owerri on Friday.

Mr Audi urged the voters to come out en masse and exercise their franchise.

“All necessary arrangements have been concluded for a successful election. We are confidently ready to provide safety and security for this election and we urge Imo residents to freely exercise their franchise,” said the NSCDC boss. “Our men are everywhere.”

Mr Audi described elections as one of the tenets of democracy and advised the electorate to play by the rules of the game. He, however, advised his officers to remain non-partisan and reject all forms of aggrandisement from politicians and their supporters.

Mr Audi further said the NSCDC would synergise with other security agencies to ensure adequate protection of the electorate, electoral materials and personnel of INEC.

He warned those planning to perpetrate violence on election day to desist from it, or ”they will be made to face the full weight of the law.” 

(NAN)