TheCable

YIAGA Africa has called on security agencies to work towards addressing the stockpiling of firearms by politicians in Edo as the state prepares for governorship election.

The civil society organisation made the demand in its assessment ahead of the September 19 election in Edo.

Ezenwa Nwangwu, board member of YIAGA, during a press conference at Transcorp Hilton, on Thursday, disclosed that there was piling up of arms in 13 local government areas in the state, and said it was quite unfortunate that the situation had degenerated to the current state of affairs.

He, however, noted that it can be checked if the security agencies round up suspects to set the stage for a free and fair election.

“The security [agencies] should move in so that the stockpiled arms are not used. If they are on top of the game, we are going to have a better outcome in Edo election,” Nwangwu said.

He said the body, in its pre-election monitoring report, discovered that the spate of violence was escalating.

“Based on our observation reports, 13 of 18 LGAs are considered as potential hotspots and flash points of violence. They include Etsako west, Etsako east, Etsako central, Owan west and Akoko-Edo in Edo north senatorial district,” he added.

“In Edo south senatorial district, our reports suggest Oredo, Orhionmwon, Egor, Ovia north east and Ikpeba-Okha LGAs while in Edo central senatorial district, Esan central, Esan north east and Esan west are potential hotspots.”

YIAGA, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its state of preparedness for the election.

“INEC is successfully implementing activities on the timetable and schedule for the election within limits imposed by the COVID-19 protocols,” he said.

“In the pre-election period, INEC has deployed candidate nomination portal, election observer and media accreditation portals, which will minimise physical contacts recommended by the new norm of social and physical distancing.”

In its recommendations, YIAGA called on security agencies to curtail the proliferation of firearms and other weapons and ensure sanctions for those implicated in thuggery and violence.

The organisation also called for “preventive measures to neutralise existing security threats in Edo state to enable voters exercise their constitutional right to vote in a peaceful and secure environment”.

It urged security agencies to “improve inter-agency collaboration and cooperation to forestall rivalry and unhealthy competition in the management of election security”.

Sam Itodo, executive director of YIAGA, in his remarks, said it was worrisome that the forthcoming election is not witnessing voter education, and emphasised the need to enlighten voters on the expected outcome from them.

Itodo revealed that it sent 24 long term observers to Edo state to monitor activities before and during the electoral exercise.

He added that the organisation was in support of the decision of the Oba of Benin, INEC, and the National Peace Committee to reconcile warring factions and deescalate the tension in the state.