The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has taken a proactive step in ensuring the integrity of the gubernatorial elections scheduled to take place in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states on Saturday. In a bid to prevent electoral malpractices such as vote-buying and to monitor the electoral process, the ICPC has deployed its operatives to these states.
Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, the spokesperson for the Commission, confirmed the deployment of operatives in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja. She disclosed that the operatives have been strategically positioned across the 56 local government areas and 649 wards in the three states where the elections are set to occur.
The primary task of these operatives is to monitor and prevent activities that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process at various polling units during the election. This move comes as a response to an invitation by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for the ICPC to participate in ensuring that the electoral processes in these three states are free and fair.
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Mr. Alex Chukwura, the Head of Special Duties Division (SDD) at ICPC, emphasized the need for collaboration with other agencies during this exercise. Before the deployment of the operatives, he stressed the importance of working in tandem with the military, police, Department of State Security, other security agencies, and INEC to guarantee the fairness of the elections. Chukwura also urged the officers to uphold discipline, integrity, and teamwork while carrying out their duties.
In a bid to maintain fairness and transparency, voters in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states have been charged to perform their civic responsibilities on election day while avoiding any actions that could lead to electoral and other related offences.
The deployment of ICPC operatives to monitor the elections in these states is a significant step towards ensuring that the democratic process is upheld and that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of the elections. With the increasing concerns over electoral malpractices, the presence of these operatives is expected to serve as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
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The ICPC’s proactive approach to monitoring the elections is commendable, as it demonstrates a commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and fairness in the electoral process. By collaborating with other agencies and positioning operatives across the states, the Commission is sending a strong message that electoral malpractices will not be tolerated.
As the gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states draw near, the eyes of the nation are on these states, and the role of the ICPC operatives in ensuring the integrity of the process cannot be overstated. The presence of these operatives serves as a reassurance to the electorate that their votes will count and that the democratic process will be upheld.
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In conclusion, the deployment of ICPC operatives to monitor the elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states is a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. With their strategic positioning and collaboration with other agencies, the ICPC is poised to prevent electoral malpractices and uphold the principles of transparency and fairness in the elections. As the nation awaits the outcome of the elections, the role of the ICPC operatives will be crucial in ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in the results.
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