A citizen-led movement committed to credible election under the Watching The Vote (WTV), better known as Yiaga Africa has raised concern over militarization of the November 6, 2021, Anambra State governorship election.

The Director of Programme, YIAGA Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu raised the red flag on Nigerian Television Authority, NTA’s ‘Good Morning Nigeria’ programme, Thursday.

She appealed to heads of the various security agencies especially the Nigeria police to downplay on issuance of threats to hoodlums alone is not enough, but heads of security agencies should embark on confidence building towards avoiding a repeat of less than 20 percent turn out of voters as recorded in previous governorship poll in the State.

Mbamalu, listed high level of unemployment, lack of Citizens’ engagement and poverty account for the high level of voter apathy being displayed especially among young people, lamented that the deployment of vitriolic attacks among Candidates in the election, do not inspire hope.

“I am worried…We can no longer have elections where voter turnout is less than 20 percent, according to her,

“What is required now is that the security agencies should be civil and be coordinated…Security agencies should engage the people to inspire confidence… that you are not against the people we are here to protect you.

“They should also take also take into consideration the rights of the people. The role of the police is not just to issue threats, but guarantee the security of lives and property”, the Director of Programme, said.

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