Welcome Remarks by Seija Sturies, Resident Representative, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Protocol The INEC Chairman represented by Professor Olurode, Ambassador Layiwola Laseinde, representative of the National Security Adviser, DIG Mike Zuokumor, representing the Inspector General of Police, Evans Enwerem, Deputy Commandant General, Operations representing the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), Alhaji Halilu Pai, Resident Electoral Commissioner Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Ekiti State, Members of the Inter-agency Committee on Election Security(ICCES), Representative of the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW), Comrade Kolawole Joel, Members of the Road Transport Workers Union, Okada Riders and Youths of Political Parties, Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen: I welcome all to this workshop on'Election Security:'Stakeholders' Perspectives' organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission and our organisation Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. I am delighted and feel honoured to see you all. I would like to welcome especially those of us that travelled a long distance(from Sokoto, Abuja, Osun) by air and by road to join us in this workshop. From personal experience, I can tell you that it was not easy; however I am excited, and can say that I am hopeful that it will be worth the time and all that we have sacrificed to attend the workshop. xii xiii