Edo Election: INEC; BEFORE THE DEVIL AND DEEP BLUE SEA.

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF), and the Department of State Services (DSS), have explained why they urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to consider the possible postponement of election in Edo State scheduled for this Saturday.
The call was made during a joint press briefing at the DSS, Headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja, b Police spokesman, DCP Don Awunah and his DSS counterpart, Tony Opuiyo represented by a DSS official Garba Abdullahi.
The press statement read to journalists by the Police spokesman, Don Awunah said: “The Nigeria Police and Department of State Services, wish to inform the general public that credible intelligence availed the agencies indicate plans by insurgent/extremist elements to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets with high population during the forthcoming Sallah celebrations between 12th and 13th September, 2016.”
“Edo State is amongst the States being earmarked for these planned attacks by the extremist elements,” he added.
He stated that: “It is in regard of these that we are appealing to INEC which has the legal duty to regulate elections in the country to consider the need for possible postponement of the date of the election in Edo State in order to enable security agencies deal decisively with the envisaged terrorist threats.”
Awunah said similar threats were issued during the May Labour Day and Democracy Day celebrations as well as the Ed-el-fitr holidays in July, 2016.
However, He said the security agencies were able to decisively disrupt and thwart the insurgents’ plan.
He added that: “In the same vein, while election is important, the security agencies cannot allow the peace of the country to be disrupted, and we will continue to remain vigilant and ensure consolidation of the successes gained in the current counter-insurgency fight.”
He said while the Police/DSS remain mindful of the inconveniences this request may cause the various political stakeholders.
He pointed out that: “it is our strong resolve that security agencies need not be distracted from ensuring a peaceful and secured Nigeria now and always.”
Awunah also assured member of the public that the security agencies will continue to remain focused and committed.