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Ahead of the November 16, 2019, gubernatorial election in Bayelsa and Kogi states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day training for security agencies and election monitors in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The training organised by The Electoral Institute (TEI) of the commission, in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Consultative on Election Security (ICCES), is to adequately prepare security agencies and election monitors for the task ahead.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said the objective of the training was to ensure efficient and hitch-free conduct of the elections.
Yakubu, who was represented by the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Monday Udoh, said the commission considers security a critical and key component of the electoral process and one of the key indices for ensuring credibility of elections.
“Most of the reforms and innovations in the electoral process of the commission have been radically different from what many of us used to know.
“Therefore, it is important that all stakeholders, particularly security personnel who will secure the process understand the measures and be aware of the developments.
“This training is part of the continuing partnership between the commission and security agencies, especially through the ICCES.
“We believe that through our constant interaction and engagement with security personnel, we will all add value to the quality of elections in the country.”
Addressing the trainees, Chairman, Board of TEI, Adedeji Soyebi, said the training would provide the commission another opportunity to firm up measures adopted during the 2019 general elections.
“This is another significant step towards the commission’s continuous stride for robust and transparent engagement with stakeholders in pursuit of programmes aimed at strengthening and deepening democracy.”
On his part, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police (CP), who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of operations, Jude Kolawole, said the training would help security agencies in the state to be fully equipped for the exercise.
He said men and officers of the state police command were ready for the gubernatorial poll, slated for November 16, 2019.
“Part of the training for the election monitors is to enable them to have a complete overview of preparations for the exercise,” he said.
