Maureen Okpe
CLEEN Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has commended the conduct of the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies during the gubernatorial election.
Executive Director CLEEN foundation Gad Peter gave the commendation on Saturday in Abuja, while addressing newsmen on the foundation’s preliminary report on the conduct of security agencies during the elections.
Peter said from reports so far received from the foundation’s observers across the country, the personnel exhibited professionalism in carrying out their duties at the various polling units visited.
” CLEEN Foundation Election Security Support Center observed that most security personnel exhibited professional conduct at the various polling units.
“Majority of the polling units visited, observers noted that security personnel discharged their duty professionally. Similarly over 90% reported that security personnel did not use force on voters during election.
“There were adequate security personnel in 75% of the polling units. At most of the polling units two or more security personnel were sighted.
“CLEEN foundation observers reported that there were overall feeling of safety and security, however some polling units recorded some safety concerns, such as polling unit 050, Ago Palace Way, Lagos state,show that voters were scared because of alleged presence of political thugs.
The foundation further noted voters intimidation and thuggery in some units, as well as attacking of INEC officials. However they call on citizens to maintain peace while exercising their electoral duties.
“At the time of filing this report, CLEEN ESSC observed that in Lagos , Enugu, Imo, Bayelsa and Rivers state incidences of voters suppression/intimidation as well as thuggery have been reported.For instance in Enugu state, Enugu North LG,ward OGUI New Layout PU Obiagu Primary last bus stop, thugs attacked an INEC accredited observer.
“In Lagos Amuwo Odofin polling unit 069, thugs were visibly seen vandalising people’s cars to intimidate voters. Again, in PU053 Oke-Afa, Ejibo LGA, Lagos state, party agents were seen intimidating INEC staff to inflate the result sheet in favour of a particular political party.
” Citizens are urged to maintain the peace and remain resolute in exercising their franchise. Also call on security agencies to rise to prevent and control violent incidents erupting from different states.”