Edo Election: Group Rates Security Personnel Low On Welfare

A non-governmental organisation, CLEEN Foundation, has expressed dissatisfaction with what it described the inadequate provision of welfare packages for security operatives mobilised for the September 28 governorship election in Edo State.

The group made this known on Friday in a preliminary statement on the conduct of security agencies during the poll.

No fewer than 25,000 personnel of the Nigeria Police and 1,900 military officers were de‎ployed across the 18 local government areas in the state to provide adequate security and to ensure a peaceful exercis

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had also ‎said the Federal Government had approved funds for the welfare of the affected personnel, which he said would be paid into their personal bank accounts.

But the observer group noted that the fulfilment of the assurances given by the federal government fell short of expectations, as many of the security operatives on election duty looked “pale” and “famished,” and complained of the absence of their feeding allowances.

The Senior Programme Officer of the foundation, Mrs. Chigozirim Okoro, noted that while most of the officers complained of having to pay their way to their duty posts, some of them sought financial assistance from passers-by.

Okoro explained, “‎For instance, a military man was seen holding a bottle of water, which he said was the only thing he had all day and which he confirmed was given to him by a passer-by. Most of the officers complained of having to pay their way to their duty posts.

“We observed that many spent the previous nights in open primary schools in and out of town, without feeding allowances. This makes them increasingly vulnerable to compromise and should be addressed urgently.

She, however, commended the conduct of the security personnel at the wards and units during the poll‎, including the rescue of observers from alleged attacks by political thugs in some local government areas, for filming electoral offences.

“Reports from across the areas observed indicated that most security officials on election duty carried out their duties in a very professional and commendable manner. They were alert, impartial, approachable and coordinated,”‎ she added.

Among other recommendations, the group called for the prosecution of electoral offenders and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to resolve all issues concerning the malfunctioning of the card readers during elections.

(Punch)