Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has announced comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process during Saturday’s off-season governorship election in Ondo state.
In preparation for the elections, the IGP deployed Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for the election, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.
This is as the police boss also deployed AIG Bennett Igweh, and CP Tunji Disu as Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and Commissioner of Police (CP) elections, respectively.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a press statement, Thursday, in Abuja, said: “As part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6am to 6pm on Election Day, with the exception of those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.
“Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles will be enforced.
“Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those facing mobility challenges to ensure that polling stations remain accessible.
“Designated election lines have been established for inquiries and reporting incidents. These lines will be publicised as soon as possible.”
The spokesperson further stated: “The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) urges citizens to report all suspicious activities that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment as the state gears up for the elections.
“The Police will also be working with the military and other Federal security agencies as collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are vital to ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully.”
…My charge, DIG Alabi speaks
Addressing journalists on the task, DIG Alabi, in a statement by the FHQ spokesman, ACP Adejobi, emphasised the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies for the election.
The DIG stated that the Force had begun effective deployments of personnel across all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in the state.
He assured of the deployment of at least four police officers alongside officers from other security agencies at each polling unit, to ensure a smooth poll.
The statement said: “In a bid to emplace proactive measures against all forms of security threat and interference during the electoral process, the DIG emphasised the importance of Intelligence gathering and firmness.
“These approaches are essential for upholding safety and security, as it assists in identifying and preventing electoral fraud, including vote-buying and manipulation.
“By leveraging intelligence gathering, the police can ensure a secure, free, and fair electoral process. To this end, the Force has carried out a comprehensive threat analysis and as well, deployed adequate personnel to areas identified as vulnerable points during the elections.”
He said DIG Alabi further encouraged a collaborative effort between the NPF and other election security agencies as well as the electorates; even as he reiterated the commitment of the Force to maintaining law and order across the state with adequate contingency plans to respond appropriately to issues that may arise before, during and after the election.
“Citizens are advised to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023, (as amended) and INEC guidelines, as well as all other extant laws of the land, as every electoral offender and troubleshooter would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Adejobi added.