By Usman Aliyu
Mr Saidi Akintayo, Edo Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has lauded the peaceful conduct of the local government election in the state, describing the exercise as orderly.
Akintayo gave the assessment via a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Efosa Ogbebor.
Akintayo had monitored the election in local government areas across Edo Central Senatorial District, where Gov. Monday Okpebholo voted.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the command had earlier deployed 1,300 personnel across the state to provide security for the election.
The NSCDC boss said he visited several polling units across the district to assess the security situation and ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.
He said he interacted with security personnel, electoral officials and voters, and assessed compliance with security arrangements put in place for the election.
Voting across the areas visited, he said, was conducted peacefully, with eligible voters exercising their civic responsibility without intimidation or harassment.
He added that the deployment of NSCDC personnel to strategic locations contributed to the calm atmosphere recorded during the exercise.
Akintayo, however, urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the electoral process.
“We urge all residents to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any act capable of disrupting the electoral process.
“The NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections,” he said.
The commandant also assured residents that all personnel deployed for the exercise would remain on duty until the conclusion of the election to ensure safety of lives and property.
NAN reports that the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) is conducting elections into the chairmanship and councillorship positions in the state’s 18 local government areas of the state (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AUO/CHOM
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma