Makurdi, Oct. 4, 2024 (TheGavel) – The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has confirmed its full preparedness to conduct the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024. According to the commission, all necessary arrangements, including the deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, training of ad-hoc staff, and security measures, are in place to ensure a smooth electoral process.
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the BSIEC Information Officer, Mrs. Marvis Toryem, highlighted the commission’s readiness to carry out the electoral exercise across the 23 local government areas of the state. She assured the public that the commission has completed all necessary preparations to guarantee a transparent and efficient election.
Toryem disclosed that the distribution of non-sensitive materials to all the local government areas was successfully carried out on Tuesday, while the sensitive materials would be distributed on Friday, a day ahead of the elections.
“The commission has recruited all categories of ad-hoc staff, and they have been trained in various areas and are ready for the election,” she stated. She further emphasized that all the required materials, both sensitive and non-sensitive, as well as operational vehicles for the election, have been secured and are fully prepared for deployment.
As part of its efforts to ensure comprehensive coverage of the elections, Toryem revealed that BSIEC has accredited media organizations, granting them the necessary tags to enable their participation in covering the electoral process.
In terms of security, Toryem explained that the BSIEC Chairman, along with other officials, had engaged in multiple meetings with security agencies to establish robust security measures. Particular attention has been given to areas considered as potential flashpoints, ensuring that any unrest is properly managed and that peace prevails during the elections.
“The commission has coordinated closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the elections, particularly in areas where security risks are higher,” she said. This collaboration is intended to provide voters with confidence in the security of the election, ensuring a peaceful and fair process across all polling units.
Toryem also mentioned that a peace pact was facilitated by the Benue State Commissioner of Police. Political parties participating in the local government elections signed the agreement, pledging to abide by the rules and uphold peace throughout the election process.
The peace accord is an essential measure to minimize tensions and prevent violence, as all parties have committed to ensuring that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. This initiative, coordinated by law enforcement, is part of the broader security framework that BSIEC has put in place for the election.
With all preparations finalized, the BSIEC spokesperson reiterated the commission’s commitment to delivering a credible, free, and fair election that reflects the will of the people in Benue State. Voters are encouraged to come out in large numbers to exercise their civic rights without fear of insecurity or electoral malpractice.
As the election date approaches, all eyes will be on the Benue State local government polls, which represent an important milestone for grassroots democracy in the state. (NAN)
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