Election Monitor, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has called on heads of security agencies to announce sanctions for security operatives involved in election malpractice.
Mr Abiodun Ajijola, National Coordinator of the organisation, made the call at the Public Presentation of the 2018 Ekiti State Governorship Election Observation and Research Guide on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to him, the call to provide clear punishment for security personnel liable of election malpractice was to deter those that might be tempted to collude with unscrupulous politicians.
Ajijola also advised security heads to take the welfare of their personnel seriously ahead of the election to prevent them from being induced to engage in election malpractice.
“The Nigerian Police leadership especially, should ensure that the welfare of its officers in Ekiti is made available to them on time.
“This is unprecedented in any governorship election in the past; with this sharp increase of police deployment, this election is going to be one the most heavily policed election.
“While there have been some election violence related issues, the security agencies must be cautious not to aggravate the situation.
“The key issue is not only the number of security personnel but also the impartiality and professional conduct of the officers while on election duty.
“There is need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to appeal to the security chiefs to intervene by providing clear consequences.
“This is necessary to caution personnel who might be partisan and work against the conduct of peaceful elections irrespective of political affiliations,” Ajijola said.
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