Ahead of the September 21, local government elections in Enugu State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the deployment of police personnel and operational resources of the state command for a free and fair election.
The command also announced restrictions of human and vehicular movements from 12am to 6pm on the election day, except for those providing medical and fire services.
The CP listed the exempted persons as media practitioners, election officials, and accredited observers. This was contained in a statement by the state Police Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe.
According to the release, “Armed security agents on VIP protection duties have also been restricted from escorting VIPs to the polling booths. CP Kanayo emphasises that the election’s security management will be jointly executed by all the security agencies in the state, warning that electoral violence of any kind will not be tolerated before, during, and beyond the elections.”
The CP cautioned political parties and their stalwarts to conduct themselves orderly and in line with the election guidelines provided by the ENSIEC.
He also warned “unrepentant criminal elements that may want to foment trouble during the elections to steer clear, as the security forces are geared up to deal decisively with such criminals and their activities”.
The CP also cautioned parents and guardians to dissuade their children and wards from being used as thugs to disrupt the elections, as anyone caught will be made to face the full weight of the law.