Ondo Guber Poll: Police Strengthen Security, Deploy Officers to 18 LGAs

Ahead of the Ondo gubernatorial election, police heighten security measures, deploying officers across all 18 local government areas to ensure peaceful voting. 

The Nigeria Police Force has declared its preparedness to counter any threats in Ondo State during the governorship election scheduled for Saturday.

On Thursday, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the NPF relations officer, announced that the police have strengthened security measures in the state by dispatching officers to all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units.

It guaranteed that a minimum of four police officers, working alongside other security personnel, would be stationed at each polling unit to ensure the polls proceed smoothly.

On Thursday, DIG Sylvester Alabi, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Ondo State Elections, conducted a press briefing at the Ondo State Police Command Headquarters in Akure. During this event, he spoke to both officers assigned for election duty and members of the media, highlighting the preparedness of both the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies.

Candidates are being fielded by seventeen political parties in the election.

The statement partially conveyed that the DIG, during his address, noted that effective deployment of personnel had commenced by the Force across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state. He assured there would be at least four police officers present alongside officials from other election security agencies at each polling unit to ensure smooth polling operations.

To establish proactive measures against security threats and interference during the electoral process, the DIG highlighted the significance of intelligence gathering and firmness.

The NPF stated that these strategies are crucial for maintaining safety and security, as they help in detecting and preventing electoral fraud, such as vote-buying and manipulation.

By utilizing intelligence gathering, the police can guarantee a secure, free, and fair electoral process. In support of this goal, the Force has conducted an extensive threat analysis and deployed sufficient personnel to areas identified as vulnerable during elections.

The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) emphasized the importance of collaboration among the Nigeria Police Force, other election security agencies, and voters. He reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to upholding law and order throughout the state by implementing sufficient contingency plans to effectively address any issues that may occur before, during, or after the election.

He urged citizens to adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023 (as amended), along with INEC guidelines and all other existing laws in the country. He emphasized that any electoral offender or troublemaker would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has dispatched sensitive materials, such as ballot papers, to all 18 local government areas within the state. This effort is aimed at ensuring that electoral materials reach polling booths promptly.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria in Akure distributed the materials on Thursday, overseen by Oluwatoyin Babalola, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner.

The exercise was observed by representatives from political parties, security agencies, and other important stakeholders.

“We are dedicated to transparency and are striving to make the voting process as seamless as possible,” stated Babalola.

She also highlighted the logistical arrangements prepared for riverine and remote regions of Ondo.

To facilitate the smooth execution of the election, Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has authorized the deployment of 1,500 operatives. He instructed them to work alongside other security agencies to enforce compliance with vehicular movement restrictions.

The directive from Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Assistant Corps Marshal and Public Education Officer of the FRSC, also instructed personnel to remove road obstructions, conduct rescue operations during emergencies, and ensure orderliness at polling stations.

Similarly, sufficient resources have been allocated for operational tools, including the deployment of 25 patrol vehicles, seven tow trucks, and six ambulances to enhance enforcement of restrictions throughout the election process.

He cautioned the personnel assigned to participate actively in the democratic process. While highlighting the importance of demonstrating utmost professionalism, the Corps Marshal also advised them against engaging in any actions that might infringe upon voters’ rights.

At the time this report was filed, it is noted that activities throughout the state have reportedly slowed down.

Government offices and schools are closed as the state government announced Friday as a work-free day.