Ondo guber poll: We’re committed to free, fair election – NSCDC

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible election.

Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of NSCDC in Abuja, said in a statement on Friday that NSCDC Deputy Commandant General, Operations, Philip Ayuba, attended a strategic meeting with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Force-CID, who also doubles as DIG Election Security, Sylvester Alabi.

According to Ayuba, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has given a direct order that all officers must be apolitical and neutral and protect the fundamental human rights of the citizens.

Audi, who noted that the mandate of NSCDC in safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructure covers all election materials, said any act of vandalism or destruction through election violence would hamper the smooth process and peaceful conduct of the elections.

The NSCDC boss disclosed that over 6, 225 operatives were drafted from 10 neighbouring states, FCT and the corps’ national headquarters for election duty.

He further noted that with the existing synergy between the Nigeria Police, NSCDC and other security agencies, the operatives have been effectively briefed on the need to work in collaboration and guard against violence, destruction of public utilities, ballot box snatching, rigging, vote buying, thuggery and other associated crimes.

Audi enjoined the public to come out and exercise their constitutional rights without fear or any form of apprehension.

Ondo guber poll: We’re committed to free, fair election – NSCDC