KOGI WEST RERUN: CAN, JNI pass vote of no confidence on police, others

The Kogi State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) both passed a vote of no confidence on the police and other security agencies over their alleged complicity in the irregularities and violence that trailed the November 16 governorship in the state.

CAN and IJN made their grouse known on Tuesday during a stakeholders meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) involving various political parties, religious bodies, civil society organisations and vulnerable groups, ahead of Saturday’s supplementary election for Kogi West.

Rev Samuel Owolabi, a representative of CAN, described the last election in Kogi as a “civil war”, pointing out that the police and other security agents stood by and did nothing while political thugs unleashed violence on innocent voters who turned out to exercise their franchise.

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The Secretary of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in the state, Alhaji Isah Ajiboye, in his comments said; “INEC put necessary preparations in place prior to the election. It was sad the security agencies did not provide the needed atmosphere for peaceful conduct of the election.”

Also, Nathaniel Abanida, the leader of a civil society group, alleged complicity on the part of INEC for its failure to cancel elections in polling units marred by widespread violence and snatching of ballot boxes in Ward A of Lokoja, particularly polling units in Crowther Memorial College, St Lukes School, Muslim Community School, Lokoja Club, St Mary Church and host of others.

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