Security agencies in Enugu State have assured residents of a peaceful, hitch-free and credible local government election on September 26.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, gave the assurance on behalf of other security agencies ahead of the council election on Saturday.

Mr Giwa said security agencies had put in place firm, robust strategies to ensure a peaceful, hitch-free, and credible council election.

He said the security agencies had made robust plans to address flashpoints and ensure no miscreant violated electoral rules.

According to him, we have planned to deliver a successful and peaceful election for the residents of Enugu State that they will be proud of.

“We have put our heads together to come out with formidable strategies for the conduct of the election.

“Our officers and men from various security agencies will be everywhere to ensure safety for all residents and people come out to cast their vote without fear or favour.

“The security agencies have vowed to ensure peace before, during and after the election and respond swiftly to any perceived incident that will be a threat to the election,” he said.

The commissioner said that so far, there had been no threat to the election, and that security agencies had deployed adequate intelligence to prevent any threat of violence.

Mr Giwa urged those who would want to protect their votes after going to the ballot to do it with civility and decorum, while respecting electoral rules.

Speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), Christian Ngwu, said that ENSIEC was “very ready” for the election after “due and proper” arrangements.

Mr Ngwu said that security agencies had assured residents of adequate security, with all their officers and men on the ground before, during and after the election.

“They have assured the commission to deal decisively with any threat or persons that intend to cause trouble or create problems for election officials or the electorate.

“We are anticipating a successful, hitch-free, transparent and credible election on Saturday.

“ENSIEC wants eligible voters to come out en masse with their voter cards to cast their votes and elect their preferred candidates,” he said.

The chairman also urged the electorate to defend their votes but cautioned them against causing trouble.

Other security agencies that attended the meeting included the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC), and the State Security Service (SSS).

Others were the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal and State Fire Service and the Forest Guard, among others.

ENSIEC had scheduled polls for the 17 chairmanship and 260 ward councillorship positions in the state for September 26. 

(NAN)