Ekiti Governorship poll: Group advises security agents
Election
By Bolaji Buhari
Lagos, July 12, 2018 (NAN) A group, Democracy Vanguard, has advised security agents deployed to Ekiti State for Saturday’s governorship election to avoid any action capable of triggering tension or any unintended consequences in the state.
The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Adeola Soetan, gave the advice in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.
He urged security operatives against unnecessary use of force that might create tension before and during the election.
Soetan also advised law enforcement agents to be alert and vigilant, while not playing into the hands of desperate politicians.
He noted that political parties still had till Thursday to campaign for votes peacefully, urging security agents to accord them the right and give them protection.
Soetan also urged parties and candidates to allow the electorate decide their fate democratically and peacefully.
According to him, since INEC had promised free and fair elections, the electorate should be allowed to vote their choice leader without intimidation.
He, however, said the continuous use of official paraphernalia by Gov. Ayodele Fayose in such a way that might threaten order was not good for the state and the election.
Soetan said since the governor was not a candidate for the election, he should halt use of instrumentalities of office in the electioneering activities.
“While not denying him of his right to campaign for his candidate of choice, he must be discerning enough to separate his office as a sitting governor and as a partisan campaigner,” he said.
Soetan also advised against any insidious use of federal might in the election, in order not to erode the credibility of the election.
He urged voters to be vigilant and to make informed choice in the election. (NAN)
BHB/KTO/SOA
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Oluwole Sogunle