Police Assure Security as Parties Snub Enugu Council Election Peace Accord

The Enugu State Police Command has assured residents that adequate security measures are in place ahead of Saturday’s local government election, pledging to safeguard lives and property during the exercise.

However, the peace accord signing ceremony, which took place on Thursday under the facilitation of ActionAid and the South-Saharan Social Development Organisation, was marred by the absence of key political players. The People’s Democratic Party, Labour Party, and All Progressives Congress were notably absent from the event.

Representatives of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Accord Party, though present, declined to sign the accord, citing the absence of the major political parties as a reason for their reluctance.

Despite the absences, the event attracted significant stakeholders, including the State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, the Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Chris Ngwu, and the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu.

Addressing those present, Police Commissioner Uzuegbu reassured voters that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would ensure a peaceful election.

He urged citizens to freely participate in the democratic process, vowing to thwart any attempts to disrupt the polls.

“It is a grassroots election, and we are fully prepared. Together with sister agencies, we have mapped out all the wards and identified potential trouble spots. We will ensure that everyone can exercise their civic rights without fear. To those planning to foment trouble, be warned: we will not tolerate any violence. Peace will prevail during this election,” Uzuegbu stated.

ENSIEC Chairman Prof. Ngwu echoed the Commissioner’s sentiments, expressing the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible election.

He noted that the state government had provided the necessary resources for the exercise, vowing that anyone who attempts to compromise the process would be dealt with.

“We will not spare anyone trying to derail this election. We are committed to delivering a process that will satisfy all stakeholders. So, encourage your members to come out and vote freely,” Ngwu urged.

Ngwu also disclosed that the election would be conducted using the 2023 voters’ register, adding that the commission would not deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System due to financial constraints.

Meanwhile, opposition party representatives at the meeting expressed concerns about potential electoral malpractices, including thuggery, ballot snatching, and delays in the arrival of voting materials.

They urged the commission and security agencies to fulfil their responsibilities in ensuring a fair and transparent election.

Source: Punch