Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Ahead of the Saturday governorship elections, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed Frank Mba to Imo, Habu Sani, Kogi and Daniel Sokari-Pedro to Bayelsa states respectively.
The redeployed officers are in the ranks of the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and they are to oversee security arrangements for the elections.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this at a media briefing in Abuja.
Adejobi said the deployment of the senior police officers was in line with the commitment of the force to ensure neutrality and enhance effective supervision of personnel, deployed for the election.
He said it was targeted to add a layer of supervision to the security arrangement to guarantee that the election meet the highest standards of transparency and credibility.
Adejobi said the force had deployed adequate personnel and assets ahead of the election.
He said the IGP had ordered a restriction of vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other forms of transportation, from 12:01 a.m., to 6:00 pm on Nov. 11 in the affected states.
“Those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Accredited Electoral Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters and others on election duty are exempted from the restriction,” he said.
He maintained that the restriction of movement on the election day in the affected states was part of measures emplaced to ensure a safe, secure and conducive environment for the conduct of election.
Adejobi said it was also aimed at ensuring public order management, safety of electorate, as well as assisting the security agencies in effective policing.
“On that note, residents and travelers in the neighbouring states should note and plan their movements to avoid any untold hardship during the election period,” he said.
He said the IGP had warned security aides and escorts to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.
Adejobi said anyone found flouting the directive would be severely sanctioned.
He said only security personnel deployed for election duties were permitted to be within and around the designated election booths and centres.
According to him, the ban on the unauthorized use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates and tinted glasses is still in force.
He warned that violators would be sanctioned appropriately.
