The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has deployed Sylvester Alabi, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, to oversee the implementation of police security strategies for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
According to the IGP, the move is part of security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible process during the election.
The Explainer gathered that Mr. Alabi will be responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the electoral period. Additionally, Bennett Igweh, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, has been deployed as AIG Elections in the state, while Tunji Disu, Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, will serve as CP Elections.
To ensure the security of citizens, there will be a restriction on vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Election Day.
However, those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and accredited media, are exempt from this restriction.
“Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions,” said Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer.
“Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election while strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorised vehicles will be enforced”.
The police have also established designated election lines for inquiries and incident reports, which will be publicized soon. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activities that could threaten the integrity of the electoral process.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment for the election.
