INEC SEEKS SUPPORT, COLLABORATION OF 7 DIVISION FOR SUCCESSFUL ELECTION

 

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission for Borno State, Mohammed Magaji Ibrahim has called for a close working relationship and support from the Nigerian Army towards the successful conduct of the forth coming general elections in Borno state.

The REC made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Waidi Shaibu at Headquarters 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital. 

The Borno State REC revealed that the visit to 7 Division was to register the Commission's sincere appreciation and commendation for the support and collaboration enjoyed from the Division, in the conduct of previous elections, and to highlight all plans put in place to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process during the forthcoming 2023 general election.

He further disclosed that the visit to the Division was crucial at a time when the Commission was faced with the herculean task of delivering a safe, secure and violence -free election. 

He thereafter made a passionate appeal for the support and collaboration of the military to aid INEC in delivering its mandate without any encumbrances.

Responding, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Waidi Shaibu assured them of the Division's readiness to ensure a successful and hitch-free exercise. He equally assured that adequate arrangements had been made to support the Commission in ensuring the safety of men and materials throughout the period of the election.

General Shaibu further stressed that the Division was fully aware of the critical nature of the election especially in the North East and emphasized that all strategies had been mapped out in conjunction with other security agencies, to dominate all flash points in order to ensure the safety of both INEC staff and the electorate during the Exercise.

 He thereafter informed the commission that the Division would operate within its mandate, in line with the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Nigerian Army Personnel, during the 2023 general elections, as directed by the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.

Highlights of the visit were the signing of the visitor's book, presentation of souvenir and group photograph.