By Bukola Olamona
As the Ondo State gubernatorial election approaches this Saturday, November 16, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.
Addressing journalists at the Corps’ Secretariat on Oda Road yesterday, the Deputy Commandant General (Operations), Ayuba Philips, assured the public that the NSCDC would do everything within its power to create a conducive environment for voters to exercise their franchise.
Philips revealed that about 6,225 officers have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to fulfil their mandate of safeguarding lives, ensuring peaceful elections, and protecting public utilities from tampering.
“We are ready to make sure we deliver our mandate. We want the people to trust us and believe in our ability to give them the best,” Philips stated.
He noted that elections in Ondo State have historically been peaceful and pledged the Corps’ determination to maintain this tradition by executing its duties without fear or favour.
“We will make sure that we leave no stone unturned. So, we are calling on the people to come out en masse to exercise their franchise, because we are ever ready to ensure this election achieves the success it is supposed to,” he added.
Philips also emphasised that the Corps would not tolerate any misconduct among its officers, warning that anyone who violates the law would face appropriate consequences.
“We are playing our mandate; we are not exceeding it. We are saying the people have nothing to fear if they don’t have criminal tendencies,” he said.
When asked about the renumeration of officers to prevent susceptibility to political inducements, Philips assured: “I assure you that everything is taken care of. We are ready.”