Barely 24 hours before the off-season elections, no fewer than 550 operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrived in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States to prevent vote-buying during the exercise.
The Informant247 gathered that the anti-graft agency with different visible and invisible gadgets, was deployed to suppress any form of inducements before, during and after the exercise by the politicians and other stakeholders involved in the electioneering process.
It would be recalled that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had on Thursday deployed its operatives to monitor the exercise to tackle electoral corruption.
One of the EFCC operatives, who was deployed to Kogi, said they were ready for anybody who tries to compromise the sanctity of the electoral process in the Confluence State.
Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson of the anti-graft agency, while commenting on the deployment, said that the operatives had been charged to bring anybody caught in the act of vote-buying or vote-selling to book, adding that it would also fight all forms of manipulation of the electoral processes at variance with the Electoral Act.
“The commission’s monitoring operations are to tackle any form of voter inducements. This is in its drive to checkmate electoral fraud and associated financial crimes,” the EFCC spokesman said.
The Informant247 had earlier reported that in the preparation for the off-season elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states, the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday, raised concerns over “inflammatory” remarks by some persons.
In a statement issued by Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesperson, the service said citizens must forge ahead with nation-building following the conclusion of presidential election litigation.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has observed rising trends and patterns of incendiary comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country,” the statement reads.
“Such statements run against public peace and harmony.
“With the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that we should forge ahead in nation-building without rancour or acrimony.
“This is against the backdrop that reckless rhetoric can lead to social unrest and instability, which can put the country’s well-being and the general safety of citizens at risk.
“Similarly, the service urges key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral law during the November 11 gubernatorial elections in the areas.
“The aim is to avert situations likely to undermine the processes.”
The service encouraged all stakeholders to engage in constructive discourse to veer public commentary toward national development and peace.
“So far, the service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch-free exercises in the affected states,” the statement adds.
“The service, therefore, implores all stakeholders, irrespective of their political affiliations or grievances, to engage in respectful and constructive conversations that promote collective understanding.
“It has thus become imperative that public commentaries should shift towards unity and peace necessary for national development and security. This should be our shared responsibility and indeed the priority of everyone.”
The DSS asked everyone on election duty to avoid inciteful and derogatory remarks that may cause a breakdown of law and order.
“Those on election duties, including the media and civil society, are encouraged to avoid things that will inflame sentiments and cause a breakdown of law and order,” the statement reads.
“Broadcast and monitoring activities should be devoid of manipulations.
“Stakeholders are enjoined to note that politics should not be used to destroy the country or any part of it.
“However, individuals or groups that may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or inimical conducts to public order will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law.
“Forewarned is forearmed.
“Consequently, citizens are encouraged to be patriotic as well as recognise that our loyalty and love to the nation should transcend individual or parochial interests.
“Everyone is called upon to eschew bitterness and promote dialogue that contributes to the progress of the nation. Together, we can build a stronger and more secure future for our beloved country.”
The Informant247 had earlier reported how Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had directed the deployment of 22, 600 personnel of the Corps to Imo Kogi and Bayelsa States to ensure free, fair and credible gubernatorial elections, scheduled for 11th November 2023.
In a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi said the CG charged them to maintain high ethical standards, discipline, and professional conduct and remain apolitical.
The CG reiterated its commitment to support democratic governance and processes; and explained that the deployment is to provide water-tight security for the electorate, officials, other stakeholders, and sensitive and non-sensitive materials before, during and after the exercise in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.
He called on residents of the three states to cooperate with the NSCDC and sister agencies and shun any act capable of thwarting the strategic plans put on the ground for the peaceful conduct of the elections.
The CG also called on politicians to caution their supporters, emphasizing that sabotage will not be condoned.
He assures that “we will remain neutral on the field to ensure the security of electorate, other stakeholders and election officials and no act of sabotage will be tolerated.”
“To have a hitch-free exercise, undercover operatives, Arms Squad, operatives in the Counter-Terrorism, CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Female Special Force, Rapid Response Squad, Crack Squad and Anti-vandal Unit are all detailed to prevent any vacuum which saboteurs may leverage on to perpetrate any act that could breach the peace in the states…”
The Informant247 also reported on Tuesday, that the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, announced that there will be no vehicular movement as well as movement of canoes, ships and other means of transportation via waterways, starting from Friday.
Egbetokun, while giving the directive, said the decision was in line with measures put in place to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the three states, and also barred some state security outfits including Ebubeagu and other quasi-outfits from operating during the exercise.
Speaking through the Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IG, made this known at the ongoing press briefing at Force Headquarters, explained that marine and gunboats have been deployed in the three states considering the riverine terrain of the states, while maintaining that the three states have been fortified with different security equipment, including helicopters that will be deployed for aerial patrol.