By Christopher Oji
Ahead of Saturday’s local government elections in Delta State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a massive deployment of officers across the state to ensure hitch-free elections.
The Command, in synergy with other security agencies, has deployed officers massively across the state, covering all polling units, RACs, collation centres, and Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) offices. This deployment aims to ensure a peaceful election and protect voters and DSIEC officials. Marine Police have also been deployed to the waterways to maintain peace and security.
In a statement, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, explained that there would be a restriction on vehicular movement from 8 am to 3 pm next Saturday.
According to him, only officials on emergency and essential duties, including accredited election monitors and observers, will be allowed passage during this time. NABTEB examination students are also exempted from this restriction of movement order.
“While regretting the inconveniences this will cause, members of the public are therefore advised to adhere to this instruction as anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.
“The ban on VIP escorts during the election will also be enforced; they are therefore advised not to move with their security details on Election Day, as any officer found wanting will be arrested and sanctioned accordingly.”
The CP also advised all non-state actors (vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, hunters, etc.) that they will not be playing any role whatsoever during the elections. They are to steer clear of polling units and the entire election process, as any of them found meddling in the electoral process will be dealt with decisively.
While wishing residents in the state a hitch-free election, the statement noted that the success of the election, to a large extent, lies in the conduct of the electorate.
“The CP, therefore, urges all residents to be law-abiding and rest assured that the Command will not compromise in carrying out its primary responsibility of ensuring the protection of life and property, as well as the preservation of public tranquillity, before, during, and after the elections,” the statement added.
The following dedicated phone lines are available to the public to reach the Command as a quick response contact for any complaint or distress situation during the election exercise: Control Room Numbers: 08036684974, 0811485600, 08025666914.