By Felicia Udeji
Ahead of the Edo gubernatorial election plain cloth policemen from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) and other plain cloth personnel have flooded Benin City the state capital to forestall any breakdown of law and order and to avoid early detection.
The plain cloth policemen are in several places and also visiting dark spots, bars and lounges around the town.
This was confirmed to newsman by a member of the department from the State Command on Wednesday
He said “they are moving around to ensure security for all and a free and credible exercise. They have been around for about two days now but because more came to join them yesterday (Tuesday) that is why their presence has become more visible”
In a similar vein, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa visited troops in the state where he cautioned them to be neutral and ensure free, fair and credible exercise.
While addressing troops at the headquarters of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, General Musa said “We want to have the best election in Edo state, and we are ready so you have been briefed on what parts you are supposed to play, we are working as a team and we are all Nigerians here, nobody is more Nigerian than the other person.
“With other security forces, we are going to work together as a team; the police, the civil defence, DSS and all the other ones. We know the election has a lot of issues, there are a lot of expectations and we want this election to go without any rancour, we don’t want any disturbance, and nobody should come and intimidate anybody, on that election day we must ensure that the election is free, fair and credible. INEC is the one conducting the election, the Nigerian police are the lead agency in security so we must provide that security.”
