Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has assured of adequate security during Saturday’s Guma 1 State Constituency by-election.

Mr Alia stated this on Friday shortly after the state security council meeting at the Government House, Makurdi, promising to ensure that the election was credible.

He said the security council reviewed all situations surrounding the election and was quite prepared for the poll.

“In terms of security we are quite prepared. We want the public to know that a level playing ground is going to be giving to all political parties. And we pray for peace and peace alone to reign.

“We are talking about some portion of a Local Government Area (LGA) and not the entire LGA or the entire state. We are talking about just six wards.

“I am appealing for the anxiety and tension that have build up in the air to please just calm down. Peace is going to reign and we are not a lawless state.

“It is our hope and preparedness that everything plays out well tomorrow and this is why we held this security meeting to know exactly what we are doing and to assure the public not to be afraid and those expected to vote should come out freely without fear to cast their votes,” he said

The governor stated that since the campaigns were over, all political meetings and gatherings must stop.

“This is to be on record for everyone to know and understand that politicking is over. We are just waiting for the election tomorrow so all political meetings, gatherings must be disbanded. We are a lawful state and we must play in accordance with the rule of the law.

“So there shouldn’t be any political meetings going on anywhere. Let there be peace so that the electorate can come out at that places to exercise their franchise without harassment and trouble,” he said.

Emmanuel Adesina, the state Commissioner of Police, said the police would deploy enough personnel for the smooth conduct of the election.

Mr Adesina warned those plotting to disrupt the poll to have a rethink as security agencies would ensure that it was peaceful and transparent.

“All hands are on deck. We have everything in place. We are going to deploy massively to give assurance to the electorates to come out and vote.

“Again to warn those who are having in mind to disrupt the exercise that they will not have their way tomorrow. We are going to be on ground to ensure that everywhere is secured,” he said.

(NAN)