THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has prohibited security aides and escorts from accompanying VIPs into polling booths and collation centres during the upcoming governorship election in Ondo.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced that Egbetokun has implemented “comprehensive security measures” to guarantee a peaceful, transparent, and credible election process.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sylvester Alabi has been appointed as the coordinating officer for the election, tasked with overseeing security strategies and maintaining law and order throughout this electoral period.
Additionally, Egbetokun has designated AIG Bennett Igweh and Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu as the AIG and CP for elections, respectively.
Egbetokun announced that all forms of transportation—roads, waterways, and others—will be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, except for essential services like ambulances, media personnel, and fire services.
The official statement reads: “IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has unveiled extensive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process for the Ondo off-season Gubernatorial elections on Saturday, November 16, 2024.”
To prepare for the elections, the IGP has appointed DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi to oversee the implementation of police security strategies during this period. AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu will also serve as AIG and CP Elections, respectively.
Under the security plan, there will be a complete restriction on all vehicular movements from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day, allowing only those involved in essential services, such as ambulances, media representatives, and the fire service.
Moreover, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are forbidden from accompanying them to polling booths and collation centres to prevent any disruptions.
Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be allowed during the election, and the use of sirens by non-authorized vehicles will be strictly prohibited. Special provisions will be made for individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with mobility challenges to ensure polling stations remain accessible.
Designated hotlines have been set up for inquiries and reporting incidents, which will be announced shortly.
The Nigeria Police Force encourages citizens to report any suspicious activities that could compromise the electoral process and reiterates its commitment to ensuring a safe and democratic environment as the state prepares for the elections.
The Police will collaborate with the military and other federal security agencies, emphasizing that cooperation among all stakeholders is essential for conducting fair and peaceful elections.
