Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been advised to postpone the September 10, 2016 governorship election in Edo State.
Citing security concerns as the main reason for the request, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) told INEC on Wednesday that it would in the interest of all to heed to the advice.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Don Awunah, and an agent of the DSS, Mr Garba Abdullahi, disclosed that there were plans to attack some communities in the state next week.
“The Nigeria Police and the DSS wish to inform the general public that credible intelligence availed to the agencies indicate plans by insurgent/extremist elements to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets with high population during the forthcoming Sallah celebrations between 12 and 13 September, 2016.
“Edo state is among the states being earmarked for these planned attacks by the extremists’ elements,” Mr Awunah read out a statement on behalf of both agencies.
He said further that, “It is in regard of this that we are appealing to INEC, which has legal duty to regulate elections in the country, to consider the need for possible postponement of the date of the election in Edo state in order to enable security agencies deal decisively with the envisaged terrorists threats.”
“While the police/DSS remain mindful of the inconveniences this request may cause the various political stakeholders, it is our strong resolve that security agencies need not be distracted from ensuring a peaceful and secure Nigeria now and always,” he said.
