Idayat Hassan stated that it is imperative to put into practise the rule that forbids anyone other than security personnel from possessing weapons on election grounds.
Idayat Hassan, a member of the National Peace Committee, revealed that as of January 2023, there had been more than 134 attacks against INEC offices and employees nationwide.
On Sunday, Hassan said this on The 2023 Verdict, a special election programme on Channels Television.
Ahead of the general elections in 2023, she bemoaned the rising level of violence in the nation and questioned how the polls would be able to take place if these attacks continue.
“That this is truly happening at this moment is pretty unsettling. The number of incidents is growing, and the number of deaths has increased. Even though we frequently discuss assaults against INEC, we discuss the more than fifty or so attacks on their premises, but it goes beyond that. If you look at Armed Conflict Event Data, the top and leading source for violence monitoring, you will find that there have been more than 134 attacks on INEC buildings and staff to date.
“As of January, like the first part of January, it is 134. So, at this point, we’re not even sure if this has gotten worse. And if we merely look at it from the perspective of INEC, how can we hold elections if this goes on? Hasan questioned.
Hassan suggested that in order to reduce future violence, the legislation that forbids anybody other than security personnel from carrying a weapon on campaign grounds must be put into effect.
First, let’s revisit how the law was put into practise. The laws are very clear. Only the police or security personnel are permitted to carry weapons while conducting a campaign; nobody else is required to do so. They actually have written rules and regulations for political parties and for campaigns, which INEC has even decoded and disseminated, she continued.
Additionally, Wilson Inalegwu, a retired assistant inspector of police who was a guest on the programme, emphasised the need of community policing in reducing electoral violence.
“When circumstances like these arise, community policing plays a part. You need to create partnerships. Since the people producing this mayhem and horror among their fellow citizens are members of several communities, I anticipate that the police in particular will need to strengthen their relationship with each one. The police stations and DPOs need to step up their collaboration with the community, according to Inalegwu.
