Few months before the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States, there are growing concerns about the security situation. Both residents and the electoral body are worried that the elections may be disrupted by criminal activities perpetrated by non-state actors.
Media Talk Africa reports that unless security agencies are able to address the activities of bandits, unknown gunmen, and political thugs, the elections in these states may face serious security breaches.
Currently, there is increased criminal activity in Kogi and Imo States, which has raised significant concerns among the general public. In Bayelsa State, the situation is also worrisome, with gunmen and suspected herdsmen causing unrest and attacking civilians, farmers, and even security personnel.
Kogi
In recent times, there have been reported cases of attacks on political figures, and clashes among members of political parties across the state. On June 3rd, the convoy of Governor Yahaya Bello was allegedly attacked by supporters of his political rival, Muritala Ajaka, who is the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
According to the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, Governor Bello narrowly escaped death during the attack, and some of his aides sustained injuries. In another incident on September 30th, an alleged attack occurred during the SDP campaign rally at Koton-Karfe, resulting in several injuries.
The SDP has previously raised alarm over plans by Governor Bello and the Police Commissioner, Berthrand Onuoha, to attack their supporters. However, the police have denied these allegations. Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Dino Melaye, has claimed to have survived four assassination attempts in the state, blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the violence.
In response to the security concerns, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, stated that the command has been engaging various stakeholders and opinion leaders to promote peace and ensure a peaceful election. He emphasized that anyone caught engaging in violence will face the full weight of the law.
Imo
Imo State, particularly Oru East and Orlu Local Government Areas, is believed to be the operational headquarters of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). These agitators, suspected to be behind the activities of unknown gunmen in the region, have vowed to disrupt elections in Imo State.
The self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa, has publicly stated that there will be no elections in the Southeastern region as they are focused on achieving Biafra liberation. The gunmen, believed to be loyalists of Ekpa, have continued to terrorize security operatives and attack government facilities in Imo and surrounding areas.
Prior to the last general elections, these assailants killed INEC officials, police, and military officers, and destroyed electoral facilities. Due to the activities of the gunmen, about 100 NYSC members who were trained to serve as ad-hoc staff withdrew from participating in the elections.
Commenting on the current tension in Imo State, the President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), Goodluck Ibem, warned that election might not hold in certain insecure areas. He called on the Federal and State Governments to ensure the safety of citizens before, during, and after the election, as the right to life and freedom of movement should be protected at all costs.
Bayelsa
While Bayelsa may be relatively peaceful compared to Imo and Kogi, criminal elements continue to disturb several communities in the state. The Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council raised an alarm on August 25th, expressing concerns about plans to instigate violence in Brass, Ekeremor, and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas during the November 11th polls.
The Council Chairman, King Bubaraye Dakolo, urged law enforcement agencies to take decisive action in order to maintain peace and prevent bloodshed before, during, and after the gubernatorial election. The rising insecurity in the state has instilled fear in residents.
However, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Butswat Asinim, reassured the public that necessary security arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful election. He urged the cooperation of the public to maintain peace and improve the existing peaceful climate.
It is worth noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also expressed concern over the rising insecurity in the three states. The commission appealed to political parties and their candidates to avoid actions and utterances that could further escalate tension and violence in the region.
