Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, and his men have inspected council election materials at the office of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in Asaba, Delta State.
Abaniwonda subsequently issued a firm directive to DCP Operations, the squadron commander of 31 PMF and DPOs, to personally lead all sensitive and non-sensitive materials to the various council areas.
He urged them to ensure the materials get to their various destinations and assured all residents and the electorate that the command will ensure that the election is conducted peacefully and hitch-free.
Before now, the command has deployed Marine Police to the waterways and others to the 25 local government areas to ensure hitch-free elections.
It equally banned all non-state actors, such as vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, hunters and others, from playing any role whatsoever during the elections.
CP Abaniwonda said the command is in synergy with other sister agencies to protect all polling units, RACs, collation centres, and DSIEC offices to ensure a hitch and also protect the electorate and DSIEC officials.
He threatened to decisively deal with non-state actors found meddling in the election process.
According to him, there would be a restriction on vehicular movement from 8 am to 3 pm on the day, saying only officials on emergency and essential duties, including accredited election monitors and observers, NABTEB examination students.
“The electorate in Delta State will exercise their right and ensure that the areas are peaceful during the election. NABTEB examination students are also exempt from this restriction on movement order.
“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,” he stated.