The newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Cross River State, Professor George O. Yomere, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to intensify and sustain security measures ahead of the 2025 general elections. In a visit to the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, as part of his familiarisation tour, Prof. Yomere stressed the need for robust security arrangements to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process. He also called on other security agencies to join hands with INEC in guaranteeing a safe environment for voters and election officials.
The visit, which took place in Calabar, the state capital, marked a key step in Prof. Yomere’s efforts to engage with security stakeholders. He was accompanied by members of his team during the meeting, where he outlined INEC’s preparations for the upcoming elections. Among the topics discussed was the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with Prof. Yomere noting that preparations were well underway for the third phase of registration across the state.
Prof. Yomere emphasized that public confidence in the electoral process depends heavily on security and transparency. He urged security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing any form of electoral violence or intimidation. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between INEC and law enforcement to safeguard polling units, electoral materials, and the integrity of the vote.
In response, Commissioner Afegbua reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to working closely with INEC and other stakeholders. He assured the REC that the police would maintain a high level of operational readiness to protect voters and election officials. According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, the police are fully dedicated to providing a safe and conducive environment for all electoral activities.
The statement further emphasized that residents of Cross River State can participate in the elections without fear of intimidation or harassment. It underscored the police’s role in ensuring free and fair elections, in line with national and international standards. The visit also served as a platform for building trust and strengthening coordination between INEC and security agencies at the state level.
As Nigeria prepares for its next general elections, the engagement between electoral officials and security forces is seen as critical to national stability. The collaboration initiated by Prof. Yomere in Cross River State sets a precedent for similar engagements across other states, reinforcing the country’s commitment to democratic governance. With security arrangements being fortified, stakeholders are hopeful that the 2025 elections will be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and confidence.
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