Over 2,300 soldiers to be deployed for the Imo governorship election, says INEC

Imo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Sylvia Agu, has confirmed that a contingent of 2,300 soldiers hailing from three army battalions will be deployed for the governorship election scheduled for November 11th.

Speaking at a two-day media roundtable and engagement in Owerri, organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) and European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EU-SDGN II), Prof. Agu detailed that the commission received this confirmation following a courtesy visit to Brig.-Gen. Usman Lawal of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze. The visit was aimed at discussing their preparations for the upcoming election.

Agu emphasized, “Through the collaborative efforts of the inter-security agency consultative committee, we have received unwavering assurance from top security officials regarding the security of the election and the safeguarding of lives and properties of the people of Imo State both during and after the election. Our recently appointed Brigadier-General, who we paid a visit to, has pledged to provide 2,300 soldiers from three battalions to ensure the safety of the electorate. This commitment ensures that security will be robustly maintained.”

Mr. Akin Akingbolu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), urged election reporters to uphold principles of fairness, balance, and impartiality in their coverage of the event.

Edited By Damilola Adeleke