– Warns Against Political Interference and Acts of Violence
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has expressed the police unwavering readiness for the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election.
This was contained in a statement by the Force’s Spokesperson, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday.
NPO reports that the election is slated to hold on the 16th of November, 2024, across 18 local government areas 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.
The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.
The statement noted that the deployment will see officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force (FID-STS), working in concert with other security agencies.
“These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.
“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.
“These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”
Egbetokun further issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election, stating that they will face the full force of the law.
“The message is clear—those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.”
Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organization, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.
“The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).”