Small arms threatening 2015 elections –Presidential panel, INEC

(NIGERIA) The Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Independent National Electoral Commission have identified the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country as one of the greatest threats to the 2015 general elections.

The organisations made their fears known at a sensitisation forum for the South-East zone in Enugu.

The Chairman of the presidential committee, Amb. Emmanuel Imohe, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Simon Egede, called for “urgent and concerted efforts” to address the situation.

Describing small arms and light weapons as “weapons of mass destruction” that continue to fuel conflicts and violence all over the world, he said, “The negative impact they could make on the upcoming elections could not be overemphasised.”

According to him, the threat posed by the proliferation of the weapons prompted the committee to embark on a sensitisation programme known as ‘Ballot Without Bullets’ across the country, to enlighten the people about the menace, and to also get them involved in the the campaign against electoral violence.

Imohe said the sensitisation would also help to collate ideas from members of the public for the formulation of strong policies to tackle the influence of the weapons on elections and security in the country.

In a keynote address at the forum, Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, noted that the threat posed by the small and light weapons to the elections and the country’s security in general, was underscored by the “frightening fact” that 70 per cent of illegal firearms in West Africa were located in Nigeria.

Represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Anthony Ani, SAN, Chime expressed concern at the ease with which illegal arms were obtained in the country and urged the authorities to intensify efforts at tracking down and eliminating their sources of supply.

He called on Nigerians to be vigilant and to ensure that anyone found bearing arms illegally, was promptly reported to the authorities.

In an address at the event, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, noted that the 2015 general elections could only be judged to be free and fair if they were devoid of violence and malpractices. http://www.punchng.com/news/small-arms-threatening-2015-elections-presidential-panel-inec/