By EBUN SESSOU with Agency Report

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo, armed soldiers and anti-riot policemen have taken over major streets in the state.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the armed soldiers could be seen strategically positioned along major roads and streets in Benin, Auchi, Uromi, and Ekpoma. The armed soldiers conductstop and search of motor vehicles.

According to reports, the heavy security presence may not be unconnected with various allegations and counter allegations that have greeted the governorship election.

It will be recalled that there have been allegations by political parties of plans to rig the election with fake policemen, Independent National Electoral Commission officials and the use of fake voters’ card.

Meanwhile, journalists are also facing difficulty in getting accreditation for the election.

As at the time of filling this report, several journalists from within and outside the state are yet to be accredited.

In the same view, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwahed Omar, has assured workers in Edo that there will be a peaceful election in the state today.

Omar advised the workers to turnout in large number to exercise their franchise and conduct themselves in an orderly manner during and after the governorship election.

In an interview with agency news in Abuja yesterday, the NLC President said, the union was keeping a tab on events concerning the election in the state.

He said he was concerned about the increasing spate of deaths arising from political activities in the state and urged the security operatives to check violence during the election.

Omar urged President Goodluck Jonathan to fulfill his promise by providing adequate security for the people during the election.

“I want to assure the people that there will be a peaceful and free election in that state.”