As Delta State gears up for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi has mandated an extensive deployment of police personnel across the state to ensure smooth and secure electoral proceedings.
In a statement released by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, on Thursday in Asaba, Olufemi emphasized the need for comprehensive security measures to enable citizens to exercise their voting rights without disruption.
“The Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has ordered massive deployment across the state to enable electorates in Delta State to exercise their right.
“The Command in synergy with other sister agencies deployed massively across all polling units, RACs, collation centres, and DSIEC offices to ensure a hitch and also protect the electorates, and DSIEC officials.
“Marine Police have equally been deployed to the waterways to ensure that that area too is peaceful during the election,” the statement partly read.
Olufemi further announced a restriction on vehicular movement from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
This restriction exempts only officials on emergency and essential duties, including accredited election monitors and observers. Students taking NABTEB examinations will also be allowed to move during this period.
“We regret any inconvenience this may cause and advise the public to comply with this directive. Anyone found violating the movement restriction will face legal consequences,”
“The ban on VIP escorts during the election will be strictly enforced. VIPs are advised not to move with their security details on Election Day, as any officer found violating this order will be arrested and sanctioned,” Olufemi stated.
Additionally, Olufemi urged non-state actors such as vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, and hunters to refrain from involving themselves in the electoral process. Any unauthorized individuals interfering in the elections will be dealt with accordingly.
The Commissioner assured Delta State residents that the police are committed to their primary responsibility of protecting lives and property and called for public cooperation to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.