The forthcoming gubernatorial election in Imo State will see the deployment of approximately 2,300 soldiers across its 27 councils, according to the State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Sylvia Agu.
The announcement was made during a two-day media engagement event sponsored by the European Union, under the Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU- SDGN 11) Component 4 Support to Media.
The 34 Field Artillery Brigade’s Commander in Obinze, near the state’s capital, Owerri, had previously confirmed this military deployment to Prof. Agu. “The Brigadier General has assured me that around 2,300 soldiers will be on ground in the state during the election,” she stated.
Prof. Agu also assured media representatives that they would be provided with up-to-the-minute information on election activities and voter education. She debunked rumors of her involvement in electoral fraud during the previous general elections in Imo State.
During the last election, as she recalled, most temporary workers and private drivers resigned due to safety concerns on election day. This posed a significant challenge, but the commission managed to navigate the situation with 501 employees. Issues arose in only two constituencies, leading to their cancellation and subsequent re-run.
Prof. Agu urged media practitioners to avoid sensationalism, hate speech, and misinformation in their reporting. She suggested that hosting debates and public awareness activities could aid the commission in communicating about electoral matters.
The IPC’s Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, and Programme Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, counseled attendees to implement the training’s teachings in their work. They also expressed gratitude to the European Union for their financial backing.
SOURCE: The Guardian
IMAGE: The Nation
