Abure expresses concern over violence despite assurances from police
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
200 police patrol vehicles by been deployed for the November 11 governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo, says Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetoku, but Labour Party (LP) Julius Abure is not convinced all will be well.
Abure warned the level of insecurity in Kogi and Imo is a major source of concern.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and others were brutally attacked in Owerri on November 1, allegedly by agents of Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, during a peaceful protest over workers’ welfare.
Ajaero was hospitalised where his health lapsed into a critical condition that sparked suggestion of him being flown abroad for medical treatment.
“My party and candidates are very worried about the security situation in Imo and Kogi, especially,” Abure said on Channels Television, according to Daily Post.
“All through our campaigns, our offices have been attacked severally by unknown gunmen. In some cases, security agencies accompany [those who carry out] some of those activities that took place in the attack on our offices.
“All of these activities raise serious issues about the security of lives and properties in Imo and Kogi, especially. Our major worry as a political party is in Imo and Kogi.
“We have less violence about Bayelsa. Bayelsa may not be a very serious flashpoint. We are not seriously worried about Bayelsa State.”
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Yakubu charges INEC officials to remain neutral
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mahmood Yakubu has urged officers of the Commission to remain non-partisan and maintain integrity during the governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo, per Daily Post.
Yakubu made the point when he visited some INEC offices to assess preparations for the vote, according to INEC bulletin, in which he also stressed the commitment of the INEC to credible elections in the three states.
“INEC is not a political party and does not have a candidate in the November 11 governorship elections.
“All we are going to do is to ensure that the people of Bayelsa and Imo States choose whoever they want to be their governors and our responsibility is to protect the people’s choice,” he said.
Yakubu implored Electoral Officers (EOs) to ensure tall Registration Area Centres (RACs) are fully activated early to facilitate smooth voting, saying the Commission is determined to ensure poll officials live up to their responsibilities on election day.
He disclosed a refresher training will be organised for them on November 10 in addition to refresher training conducted previously.