The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Gabriel Longpet says the Independent National Electoral Commission is worried about the series of violence that has been recorded in the state as a result of the forthcoming governorship election.
This is as Longpet also expressed concern over the low collection of Permanent Voter Cards in the State while speaking with newsmen at the weekend.
In his words, “Yes I am concerned but I cannot just ignore and be oblivious to what is happening around me. However, I know that there are laws directing what the politicians should do and what the electorate should do, and there are also consequences for anyone who runs afoul of the laws. I don’t have the power of arrest; mine is to provide the rule and necessary framework and talk to people as I have been doing on radio, television, and various other means of communication. People must know what the law says, and they should not campaign with masquerades.
“For instance, no weapons, no use of thugs, no use of foul language, and every organ of government should be put on alert to enable political parties to embark on a successful campaign or canvass for votes so that we would have a pleasant experience on November 11.
“But what has been happening and what we have heard is something that is in the domain of the security agencies to handle. I can only point out to them what the politicians are doing and not doing and allow them to take charge from there.”
He added that “We have the ICES; that is the Inter Consultative Service on Security. We held one recently; it involves the police, the Commissioner of Police, who is the co-chair. I am the Chairman, and we have the DSS, the Army, Immigration, Civil Defence, the ICPC, EFCC, and all those who are supposed to provide security. We have identified those places likely to pose challenges in terms of security.”
