The role of security agencies, the use of modern technology and good leadership are potent weapons to stem the tide of electoral malpractices in the country.
The Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun, stated this while responding to questions from newsmen at the Command Headquarters in Asaba, the state capital.
The NSCDC big shot who was represented by the Command Public Relations Officer Dsc Emeka Peters Okwechime, said the vital functions of the security agencies before, during and after any election necessitates the partnership with the electoral umpire INEC, in the effort to ensure the smooth conduct of the forthcoming polls.
Commandant Akinsanya also stressed the partnership was necessary to checkmate the menace of electoral violence during the political campaigns leading to, and during the elections.
On the use of modern technology, the Commandant maintained that ICT application is critical in reporting, capturing or tracking incidences of violence.
He emphasized that the effective tracking, arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of electoral violence using ICT will foster the deterrent of offenders and prevent others from following the same path.
He pointed out that political parties, politicians and their leaders would be monitored to ensure that they conduct themselves according to relevant laws to ensure the political scene is safe.
The NSCDC boss also highlighted some of the contributions of the corps towards the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general election, including organizing a peace summit to strategize on its mode of operation leading to the polls, creating public awareness and sensitizing residents on the need to participate in the last Continuous Voters Registration, CVR exercise.
The campaign was also geared towards discouraging money-induced politics and thuggery. These the Command executed through jingles on radio and television.
On the mandate of the NSCDC, he listed the priority areas of the corps to include the protection of lives and property, registration, licensing and supervision of private security outfits, crisis and disaster management amongst others. These he said were enshrined in section 3 subsection 1a, b, c, d and e of the NSCDC Act 2007 as amended, which he stressed the NSCDC had justified since its establishment.
Commandant Akinsanya also noted that the NSCDC has sustained synergy with sister security agencies, as well as retaining a formidable relationship with Ministries Departments and Agencies MDAs, and other parastatals both at the grassroots, Local Government Area, State and Federal levels.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC also reassured the public of the commitment of the corps to the protection of lives and property in synergy with other security agencies in the state
He called on the public to assist the NSCDC in its operations by providing relevant security information, urging them to say something, if they see something, promising that the corps will act swiftly to do something in response.
Commandant Akinsanya further advised members of the public to be law-abiding citizens and to go about their legitimate businesses without fear from any quarters.
