Wale Ibrahim,Lokoja
The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 2,500 of its personnel to flash points in Kogi East, Central and Western part of the state, following the resurgence of violence in some parts of Kogi State ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The state’s Commandant of NSCDC, Philips Ayodele, disclosed this in Lokoja during a sensitisation programme for officers under his Command on intelligent gathering ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Ayodele, while reaffirming the mandate of the Corps to protect critical infrastructures in the country, said the Command has identified this grey areas and measures has already been put in place to ensure citizens exercise their franchise without intimidation or fears.
The Commandant said the sensitisation programme would help his officers know their rights, collaborate with People and know how to address issues concerning election.
“We have been arranging series of lectures in the build up to this election. Violence during election is insignificant.
“We are aware that some desperate politicians will be recruiting thugs to cause mayhem on election day.
“This won’t be allowed to happen. We have also taken note of the destruction of some party billboard by unknown individuals across the three senatorial district.
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“The Command has placed its officers in strategic areas as anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.
“Our citizens have the right to choose their leaders who will represent the country interest. NSCDC Kogi State Command is synergising with other sister security agencies to see that the menace of violence during the forthcoming polls is nipped in the bud.
“We can’t do it alone. We need information and the cooperation of the general public to achieve a violence free election.
“Our officers has been warned to be professional in the discharge of their duties. This is part of the reason we have decided to organise this lecture by intimating them on their respective roles on electionday and their duties to protect voters who are out to exercise their civic right,” he said.
Ayodele, however, lauded Governor Yahaya Bello for his unbiased nature and support towards the success of security agencies in Kogi State.
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The Commandant also urged political players to play by the rules of the game as anyone found wanting would face the full weight of the law no matter how connected or influential the person might be in the society.
Earlier, Head of Intelligence and Investigation of , Kogi State command, Mrs. Mariam Oiza Adeiza, said the essence of the lecture was to prepare and refine officers of the command on the challenges that might occur during the election. She reiterates the preparedness of NSCDC towards achieving a violence-free and credible election in the state.
