Security Agents Not Proactive As Irregularities, Violence Permeates Nassarawa Election, Maku Says

Maku Worried

The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, gubernatorial candidate in Nassarawa state, Mr. Labaran Maku has accused security agents in the State of acting lackadaisical as political thugs disrupts the smooth running of elections in the state.

In a chat with our correspondent today, Maku said armed youths, APC thugs intimidates, harass and assault some unsuspecting voters and agents of its party. Mr. Maku said the thugs went as far as pouring engine oil on the ballot papers.

Mr. Maku added that “despite the overwhelming show of force by armed youths during the election, security agents failed to intervene

“I call on the security agencies to be proactive and stop being partial in the way and manner personnel are assigned to polling units.

“As a matter of fact they have been less concerned about the APGA strong holds. The incumbent governor knows he is on his way out of power so is doing everything possible to scuttle and destabilize the state.

The APC shipped in already thumb printed ballot papers to rig the elections.

The APGA gubernatorial candidate added that INEC has not done enough in Nassarawa state to ensure the sanctity of the electoral process which the government of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan strived hard to sustain all along.

Maku accused the electoral umpires of not being proactive enough to remain nonpartisan.

“INEC must maintain the integrity of the process. We are worried. We are calling on international observers to call INEC to order,” Maku said.

He however called on his supporters to be law abiding, stating further that his campaign was grassroots based and so victory was grantee.

“While the APC and PDP were busy engaging electoral contractors to rig elections in the state we engaged in grassroots campaigns. Victory is sure for APGA, he added.

Maku alleged that returning officers in the state were given N100, 000 each by the incumbent governor.

He expressed disappointment that the culture of thuggery, intolerance and unruly conduct still bedevil Nigeria’s electoral process.

Maku asked INEC and security agents to be alive to their responsibilities, be vigilant; and promptly intervene whenever there is a deployment of thugs to subvert a political process.