Barely one month to the governorship election in Ondo State, has the Independent National Electoral Commission begun a three-day training session for some security personnel for the off-cycle poll.
The trainees include the men of the state police command, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Airforce, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Customs Service.
Speaking at the opening of the training in Akure, the state capital, on Monday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, said the training was necessary for the commission to collaborate with security agencies in ensuring the safeguarding of voters and their votes.
The commissioner lauded the security agencies for always doing their best to ensure the protection of lives and property of Nigerians.
In his remarks, the institute’s Director-General, Dr Sa’ad Idris, emphasised that security was critical in protecting electoral personnel, locations and processes.
The DG, who described the security personnel as the guardians of the democratic process, noted that their expertise and professionalism are crucial in maintaining peace, order and fairness throughout the electoral process.
