Plateau LG Polls:PLASIEC assures of readiness,credible elections
PLASIEC Boss,Daniel Plangji,briefs the media during the eve of the 2024 local council polls in Jos,Plateau State,Nigeria. Image Credit:Eagle Eye News Watch
By Eagle Eye News24
The Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission(PLASIEC) Hon Daniel Plangji Cishak has assured that the local government elections which will hold in the various council areas of the State on Wednesday 9 October will be devoid of rancour and violence and will be a model to be emulated by other States in Nigeria.
Hon Cishak stated this at a Press briefing at the Commission’s headquarters in Jos Nigeria on Tuesday 8 October 2024.
Assuring the world of the commissions’ preparedness, he said:
“Looking ahead, I am excited to announce that we are fully prepared for the upcoming elections. Our readiness was recently tested through successful mock elections held on September 28, 2024, across six selected Local Government Areas in the three senatorial zones: Wase, Shendam, Pankshin, Mangu, Riyom, and Jos North. ”
As I stand here, I can confidently state that we are ready for the upcoming elections. A total of 21,000 ad hoc staff will be deployed for the election, ensuring that the process runs smoothly. Sensitive election materials are secured, and logistics arrangements for their distribution are complete. Every indication points toward a credible process.
PLASIEC is matching into the election as one of the 6 model State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) selected to pilot key electorial reforms in the sector and we are poised to maintain this pedigree and surpass expectations, with the support of all stakeholders and citizens.”
He also added that over 21 thousand Ad-hoc staff and 300 election observers are ready for the polls have been deployed to ensure a seamless election.
The election umpire also urged journalists to exhibit professionalism.
“I urge you, members of the press, to uphold the professionalism you have demonstrated thus far. Avoid sensationalism; verify your facts with our officials. Focus on your role, and leave the announcement of final results to PLASIEC. I look forward to your vibrant reports during the election”
Meanwhile the Plateau State Commissioner of Police,Emmanuel Adesina,has assured residents of adequate protection during and after the Local Government election in the state.
He said, “We are glad to inform you that Plateau State Command has concluded all arrangements, and we are well prepared for the forthcoming elections.
“The Police Commissioner wishes to warn mischievous elements whose perception of democracy involves the application of violence to reconsider, as law enforcement under his watch is committed to dealing with such characters within the dictates of the law.’
“In a bid to ensure the safety and security of the election process, vehicular movement within the seventeen local government areas will be restricted from 12:00 am (midnight) to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, 09/10/2024.
“We, therefore, urge all residents of the State to go out and exercise their franchise without fear of molestation or intimidation of any kind and to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process,” he admonished.
