.... As Resident Electoral Commissioner Commends the Military for Restoring Peace and Tranquility in the State
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission Borno State, Mohammed Magaji Ibrahim has called for synergy, collaboration and support from the Nigerian military towards the successful conduct of the forth coming general elections in Borno state.
The REC made the call on Thursday, 16 February, 2023 when he paid a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Waidi Shaibu and Major General and Theatre Commander, Major General IS Ali at Headquarters 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
During his remarks, the Borno State REC revealed that the visit to 7 Division was to register the Commission's sincere appreciation and commendation for the support and collaboration enjoyed from the Division, in the conduct of previous elections, and to highlight all plans put in place to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process during the forthcoming 2023 general election.
He further disclosed that the visit to the Division was crucial at a time when the Commission was faced with the herculean task of delivering a safe, secure and violence -free election.
He thereafter made a passionate appeal for the support and collaboration of the military to aid INEC in delivering its mandate without any encumbrances
Responding, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, Maj General Waidi Shaibu expressed delight to have received the REC and his entourage, and assured them of the Division's readiness to ensure a successful and hitch-free exercise.
He assured that adequate arrangements had been made to support the Commission in ensuring the safety of men and materials throughout the period of the election.
General Shaibu further stressed that the Division was fully aware of the critical nature of the election especially in the North East and emphasized that all strategies had been mapped out in conjunction with other security agencies, to dominate all flash points in order to ensure the safety of both INEC staff and the electorate during the Exercise.
He thereafter informed the commission that the Division would operate within its mandate, in line with the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Nigerian Army Personnel, during the 2023 general elections, as directed by the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
In addition, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General IS Ali has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Borno State, the full support of the Command in ensuring a successful conduct of the 2023 General Elections in the State.
While acquainting the Theatre Commander of their level of preparedness for the forthcoming General Elections, the Resident Electoral Commissioner also appreciated the command for the usual support and cooperation accorded them at all times. Moreso, he solicited for enhanced synergy ahead of the 2023 polls.
In attendance was the Deputy Theatre Commander, Maj Gen KA Isoni; Theatre Logistics Component Commanders, Brig Gen EJ Ikomi; Chief of Staff Headquarters Theatre Command, Brig Gen A Idris, Principal Staff Officers and officials of the INEC Borno State.