With 24 hours to the November 16 Ondo State Guber poll, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has affirmed its readiness to checkmate any form of insecurity in the State.
The assurance was contained in a statement by the NPF Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi on Thursday. He said the police has fine-tuned its security architecture in the State. And have deployed its officers across all the 18 Local Government Areas.
It noted that 203 wards and the 3, 933 polling units in the State have adequately been covered.
The NPF also assured that at least four police officers in collaboration with other security personnel will be present at each polling unit. This, it noted is to ensure a smooth electoral process.
In a related development, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of the Ondo State Elections, DIG Sylvester Alabi stated the readiness of the Force for the election.
In a press briefing on Thursday at the Ondo State Police Command Headquarters, Akure, Alabi emphasized the readiness of the NPF and other security agencies. He stated this while addressing officers deployed for the election duty and the members of the press.
The statement read in part, “The DIG during his address mentioned that the Force had begun effective deployments of personnel across all 18 Local Government Areas. And the 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the State. He assured the presence of at least four (4) Police Officers in collaboration with officers representing other election security agency, at each polling uni. This is to ensure a smooth poll.
“In a bid to emplace proactive measures against all forms of security threat and interference during the electoral process, the DIG emphasized the importance of Intelligence gathering and firmness.”
According to the NPF, these approaches were essential for upholding safety and security. This is even as they assist in identifying and preventing electoral fraud, including vote-buying and manipulation.
“By leveraging intelligence gathering, the police can ensure a secure, free, and fair electoral process. To this end, the Force has carried out a comprehensive threat analysis. And as well, deployed adequate personnel to areas identified as vulnerable points during the elections,” the statement read.
Alabi further encouraged a collaborative effort between the NPF, other election security agencies and the electorates. He, therefore, reiterated the commitment of the Force to maintaining law and order across the State.
He noted that the NPF has made adequate contingency plans to respond appropriately to issues that may arise before, during and after the election.
The DIG, therefore, advised citizens to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023, (as amended) and INEC guidelines. He urged them to observe all other extant laws of the land. And warned that every electoral offender and troubles shooter would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”
The Ondo guber poll will hold on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
source: Channels TV
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