Governor David Umahi has ordered immediate arrest of any fake observer or journalist found loitering in polling units and other election zones during Saturday’s elections in Ebonyi State.
Governor Umahi gave the order Friday to security agencies at a press conference preparatory to Saturday’s polls.
He said after a joint empirical analysis of the events of last elections, he has absolved security agencies of any wrongdoing, observing that most of the lapses experienced were not attributable to them.
He commended them for their preparations so far towards ensuring hitch-free elections come Saturday.
While appealing to candidates, politicians and their supporters to abide by the rules of conduct, he warned that fake security agencies, observers, journalists and other purveyors of fake news would not be condoned during the elections.
Umahi said: “Security report has indicated that there are fake observers who are so desperate, and have printed INEC tags.
“Our position is that every observer that has been accredited by INEC needs second accreditation by the Commissioner of Police.
“I have ordered for the arrest of fake observers who fail to go through these processes.
“Emergency journalists also have a word from me: people also jump out, especially now that we have online media.
“I know there is a union for journalists in this State, and if you are not a member, you are not a journalist.
“There are visiting journalists who we may not know: such persons need extra accreditation from the chairman of NUJ in the State.
“You have to do that because of security threats.
“Any one who parades himself in violation of these rules may risk arrest.”
Governor Umahi further warned Independent National Electoral Commission personnel and political players against any form of sharp practices capable of undermining the election, stressing that government would ensure full prosecution of offenders in line with the provisions of the electoral act.
He urged all Ebonyi people as well as residents in the State to come out in greater numbers to freely cast their votes to the candidates of their choice, assuring that their safety has been fully guaranteed.
He added: “The security chiefs have provided adequate security.
“We are therefore warning bandits, and for any one in possession of illegal gun, the President’s directive still re-echoes: anyone with illegal arms, that gun must be brought down.”
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