By: Mercy Peter
The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun Wednesday declared that no fewer than 35,000 police personnel would be deployed for the Edo State governorship election.
Egbetokun said the police will be supported by about 8,000 other security personnel drawn from other sister security agencies.
Residents of Edo will be going to the poll on Saturday 21 September 2024 to elect a new governor. Godwin Obaseki second term in office is coming to an end.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Benin, the police boss also directed all local security apparatus within Edo State to stay clear from interfering with electoral security functions.
He warned that any individual or group engaging in unauthorized security activities will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
IGP stressed that the election remains a confirmation of the country’s commitment to democratic principles and rule of law.
He therefore said it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to ensure that elections take place in a conducive environment, while the police secures the electoral process.
He said the deployment of security personnel would be based on threat analysis of vulnerable points undertook ahead of the poll.
Egbetokun said: “We are committed to deploying sufficient personnel and resources to ensure effective crowd management, prevent electoral violence and address any emerging security issues. In this election, the Police will be deploying 35,000 personnel and this will be complemented by over 8,000 members of the armed forces and other security agencies.
” In preparation for the election, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with these other security agencies, has undertaken several measures, including conducting a thorough threat analysis of vulnerable points in the state to deploy resources effectively.”
He went on: “Moreover, I want to emphasize that the management of election security, solely the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force and other national security agencies within the ICCES, this responsibility does not extend to private security entities or non-state actors. I hereby direct all local security apparatus within Edo State to refrain from interfering with electoral security functions. “Any individual or group engaging in unauthorized security activities will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
“In this regard, the activities of the Edo State Security Corps, which has been suspended, remain suspended until further notice. All security aides and escorts of VIPs will be withdrawn on the eve of the election, with alternative security arrangements provided across the state.”
He stressed: To me, the Edo State election that is coming is not merely a particular event, it is an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to democratic principles the rule of law and integrity of the electoral process. Free and fair elections are central to democracy. While it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that elections take place in a conducive environment, the task of securing the electoral process rests squarely with the police.”
The IGP also assured the stakeholders of neutrality of all security agencies in the poll, saying “Our commitment is to a free and fair election, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates our personnels have been trained to carry out their duties with professionalism and impartiality.
“Our loyalty lies with the Constitution and the people of Nigeria.”
He further added: “I assure the residents of Edo State that we are fully prepared to safeguard your safety and security throughout this electoral process. Your right to vote is secure and we will protect it. I encourage you to come out in large numbers to assert your right, confident that our extensive deployment is intended to ensure your safety and the integrity of the election.
“To the political parties and the candidates, I urge you to adhere strictly to the rules and respect the electoral process. “Let us collectively foster an environment that upholds democratic values and honors the will of our people.”
The police boss also issued a strong warning to potential troublemakers to stay clear, as security agencies will not tolerate such.
“I take this opportunity to warn all potential troublemakers contemplating destructive actions to abandon such intentions. The security forces will not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence or polygamy. Any attempt to undermine the electoral process will be met with swift and decisive action.
“We understand the vital importance of our roles in this election and I want to assure you that we are well prepared to perform our duties with excellence.
“We will safeguard the electoral process by ensuring the safety of all persons and properties, including equipment that will be involved in this election. We will ensure strict compliance and enforcement of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the Police Act 2020, the Criminals with Penal Code, Violence against Persons with Prohibitions Act and other representative laws, he added.
On crowd and traffic management, Egbetokun said “Movement of persons and vehicles will be restricted from 6am to 6pm on the day of election”.
He also listed out act that could constitute electoral Offences on the day
He said: “At this juncture, I would like to highlight some of the actions that would constitute offence on the election day. The Electoral Act 2022, as amended in Section 124, makes it an offence for any person who knowingly votes or attempts to vote in the constituency where his or her name is not in the register of voters. Any person who knowingly brings into a polling unit during an election a voter’s card issued to another person commits an offence.
“Section 125 also makes it an offence for any person to act or incite others to act in a disorderly manner.
“Section 126 prohibits any person at the polling unit or within a distance of 300 metres to converse for votes, solicit for votes, persuade any voter not to vote for any particular candidate, shout slogans concerning the election, persuade any voter not to vote, or be in possession of offensive weapons.
“And I want to repeat this, it is an offence under the electoral law for any person to be in possession of any offensive weapon on the day of election.
“This should be noted by all and sundry. I urge political leaders to please warn their supporters because any person seen with offensive weapons on that day of election would be treated as criminals and not as voters. “No person shall intimidate any voter or wear symbols of any party on the day of election, snatch or destroy any electoral materials, use any vehicle bearing the colour or symbol of any political party, loiter without lawful excuse after voting or after being refused to vote.
“Section 126 (2) also makes it an offence for any person to convey or attempt meetings during the hours of votes, or make official announcements, or wear a badge. I want stakeholders to take note of these acts that constitute these electoral offences and use it to warn their supporters to adhere swiftly to the rules of this election. “
