Police, DSS warn INEC to postpone Edo election
The Nigeria police and the Department of State Services (DSS) have warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the planned Edo gubernatorial election.
Speaking in a joint press conference by the two agencies today,September 7, the spokesperson of the police Dan Awunah said threats have been issued by some Boko Haram elements to attack residents during the election.
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Awunah said the threats were gathered through credible election availed the agencies.
"It is in regard of these that we are appealing to INEC which has the legal duty to regulate elections in the country to consider the need for possible postponement of the date of the election in Edo state in order to enable security agencies deal decisively with the envisaged terrorist threats," Awunah said.
He also said the police and the DSS remain mindful of the inconveniences this request may cause the various political stakeholders.
He said the police and the DSS and other security agencies in Nigeria do not need distractions from ensuring a peaceful and secured Nigeria.
The decision is coming barely 24-hours after a poll conducted by Legit.ng on Tuesday, September 6, projected that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu will win the forthcoming election.
Similarly, preparations are already in top gear for the election, INEC has already started distributing Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) across the state and forty-four (44) observer groups have been approved by the electoral body to participate in the election.
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The Nigerian Police Force had also told journalists earlier that it has concluded plans to deploy helicopters and 200 vehicles to monitor the election.
According to the acting Inspector- General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, the helicopters will provide aerial surveillance during the election, while the vehicles will logistics for Police Mobile Force personnel, as well as marine police.
Source: Legit.ng
