Polls: NSCDC deploys 15,000 personnel to Osun, Ekiti, Ondo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 15,000 personnel to Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states, ahead of Saturday’s general elections.

Mr. Adeyinka Ayinla, the Assistant Commandant in charge of “Zone J”, comprising the three states disclosed this at the awareness  programme organised for Senior officers of the corps on Tuesday in Osogbo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awareness programme had as its theme “The Roles of Security Agencies in The Electoral Process”.

According to Ayinla, to a large extent, the success or failure of the forthcoming general elections depends on the performance of security agencies on election duty, hence the need for the awareness programme.

He urged all the officers that would participate in the election to maintain zero tolerance to corruption, and any form of inducement in cash and kind must be rejected out rightly.

Adeyinka said the NSCDC officers in collaboration with other security agencies, would deal decisively with any person or group that may want to undermine the credibility of the elections.

“Anxiety is usually heightened by the turbulent history of transition from one civilian government to another in Nigeria.

“It is therefore essential that security agencies on election duty display the highest level of integrity, neutrality, professionalism and sense of duty in order to reassure the voters that their safety and security are guaranteed.

“The protection of human lives, voters, electoral materials, officials and preservation of lawful and orderly electoral processes are necessary for free and fair election, hence this sensitisation programme.

“The involvement of the security agencies in the electoral process can help ensure the security of the electoral processes,” he said.

Ayinla, however, assured the electorate that members of the Corps will take necessary measures to prevent violence or any activities that could threaten to disrupt the elections.

In his remarks, the Ondo State Commandant of NSCDC, Olatundun Olayinka, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues from Osun and Ekiti, said they will pass the same message across to their subordinates, who would participate in the elections.