Ahead of the gubernatorial, state assembly and supplementary polls, stakeholders in Plateau State have called on security and law enforcement agencies to be fair, transparent and just in the discharge of their responsibilities before, during and after the elections.

The stakeholders also called on the electoral umpire to conduct a refresher course for all ad hoc staff preparatory to the aforementioned elections coming up on 9th March, 2019.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a Peace Architecture Dialogue meeting for stakeholders from Jos North LGA, read by the Director General of Plateau Peace Building Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengmang.

They called on the electoral body to obey the electoral laws especially on “declaration and cancellation” of election results.

Lengmang said, “They should, as a matter of urgency, conduct a refresher course to all the ad hoc staff preparatory to the governorship and state houses of assembly elections coming up on the 9th March, 2019.

“Community policing should be encouraged in monitoring and updating intelligence information as well as watch keeping during and after elections to mitigate the likelihood of security threats and electoral violence.”

The stakeholders called on INEC to ensure all mechanisms are put in place to ensure a “free, fair and credible electoral process”.

According to them, “This has the potential of mitigating the potential of violence in Jos North LGA.

“Religious leaders should rise up to the expectation to preach peace messages and tolerance on the pulpit.”

They urged the clergy to encourage the culture of “inter-religious visits and cross-cultural celebrations” among diverse identities in the state.

The stakeholders maintained that doing so will pave a significant pathway to mitigate the potential of violent conflict in Jos North LGA and beyond.

They held that security agencies must step up arrest and prosecution of all individuals caught in the act of drug/substance abuse and electoral malpractice of any kind to serve as deterrent to others.

The stakeholders further resolved that wild celebration following election victory by party faithful should henceforth be discouraged in the interest of peace.

Source: http://dailypost.ng/2019/03/03/plateau-elections-stakeholders-tell-security-agencies/

Post Category: News





   

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