DSS, Police To INEC: Postpone Edo Guber Polls [UPDATED]

police-polling unitAs voters in Edo State warm to go to the polls to elect a new governor this Saturday, the Nigeria Police and State Security Services have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to consider possible postponement of the election.

The security agencies made the call at a joint press briefing at the DSS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Don Awunah and his DSS counterpart, Tony Opuiyo, represented by Garba Abdullahi, credible intelligence available to the security agencies indicate possible terror attack during Sallah celebration, especially in Edo State.

A press statement read to journalists by DCP Awunah said: “The Nigeria Police and Department of State Services, wish to inform the general public that credible intelligence availed the agencies indicate plans by insurgent/extremist elements to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets with high population during the forthcoming Sallah celebrations between 12th and 13th September, 2016”.

“Edo State is amongst the States being earmarked for these planned attacks by the extremist elements”, the police spokesman added.

He stated that: “It is in regard of these that we are appealing to INEC, which has the legal duty to regulate elections in the country, to consider the need for possible postponement of the date of the election in Edo State in order to enable security agencies deal decisively with the envisaged terrorist threats”.

Awunah said similar threats were issued during the May Labour Day and Democracy Day celebrations as well as the Ed-el-fitr holidays in July, 2016.

He, however, pointed out that security agencies were able to decisively disrupt and thwart the insurgents’ plan.

“In the same vein, while election is important, the security agencies cannot allow the peace of the country to be disrupted, and we will continue to remain vigilant and ensure consolidation of the successes gained in the current counter-insurgency fight”.

Mr. Awunah said while the Police/DSS remain mindful of the inconveniences this request may cause the various political stakeholders, “it is our strong resolve that security agencies need not be distracted from ensuring a peaceful and secured Nigeria now and always”.

He also assured the general public that the security agencies will continue to remain focused and committed just as he urged them not to fail to report any observed unusual movements or actions by groups or individuals in their neighborhoods.