May 14, (THEWILL) — The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, has stressed the need for sustained collaboration between security agencies and the electoral body to safeguard the credibility of elections in the state.
Prof. Onuoha gave the charge during a visit to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, at the Command Headquarters in Uyo.
The REC warned against acts capable of undermining the electoral process, stressing the importance of maintaining peace, security, and public confidence before, during, and after elections.
He commended the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for its cooperation with INEC and expressed optimism that the partnership would further strengthen efforts toward credible and violence-free elections in the state.
Responding, CP Azare reaffirmed the readiness of the Police to provide adequate security for electoral processes and ensure that citizens exercise their voting rights without intimidation.
The Police Commissioner said the Command remained committed to professionalism, fairness, and the rule of law in the discharge of its electoral responsibilities.
Azare noted that the Police and INEC share complementary responsibilities in deepening democracy and ensuring that lawful votes count during elections.
He also appreciated the cordial working relationship between the Police Command and INEC, describing it as essential to protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
According to him, the visit formed part of ongoing stakeholder engagements aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation ahead of future electoral activities in Akwa Ibom State.
