The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken proactive steps to ensure the transparency and fairness of the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.
The commission has deployed its operatives to closely monitor the electoral processes in these regions, with a primary focus on preventing electoral malpractices, including vote-buying.
In a statement released by Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, the Spokesperson of the Commission, it was disclosed that ICPC’s operatives have been strategically stationed across the 56 local government areas and 649 wards in the three states where the elections are scheduled to take place.
The move comes as a response to an invitation extended by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who called on ICPC to collaborate in ensuring the elections are conducted free and fair.
The Head of Special Duties Division (SDD) at ICPC, Mr. Alex Chukwura, addressed the deployed operatives before their assignment. He emphasized the importance of working in conjunction with various sister agencies, including the military, police, Department of State Security, and other security bodies, as well as INEC itself, to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Chukwura urged the operatives to strictly adhere to ICPC’s guidelines for monitoring elections, emphasizing the need for discipline, integrity, and teamwork. He encouraged them to stay vigilant and closely watch for any acts of corruption or electoral misconduct, regardless of the social status of the perpetrators.
“Voters in the three aforementioned states are charged to go out on Election Day and perform their civic responsibilities while avoiding any act that could lead to electoral and other related offenses,” he stated, underlining the importance of citizens’ participation in ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
With ICPC’s vigilant presence and the collaborative efforts of various security agencies, it is expected that the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi will be conducted in an atmosphere of transparency, accountability, and fairness, thereby upholding the principles of democracy in Nigeria.
