The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered the deployment of personnel across the state to ensure a peaceful local government election on Saturday.
The police will be deployed to all polling units, collation centers and offices of the Delta Independent Electoral Commission to protect officials and ensure a hitch-free election .
There will be restrictions on vehicular movement from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, with exemptions for officials on essential duties, accredited election monitors and observers, and students writing the NABTEB examination.
On Thursday, in Warri, the Delta State Police Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, issued a statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, announcing the deployment of personnel for the local government election.
According to Commissioner Olufemi Abaniwonda, there will be a temporary restriction on vehicular movement on Saturday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm to ensure a smooth conduct of the local government election.
However, certain individuals will be exempt from this restriction, including those on essential duties and students who have scheduled exams with the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
“Ahead of the upcoming local government elections slated for July 13, in Delta, the commissioner of police has ordered a massive deployment of personnel to ensure hitch-free elections.
The command in synergy with other sister agencies has deployed massively to all polling units, RACs, collation centres and offices of the Delta Independent Electoral Commission to protect officials.
“The Marine Police have equally been deployed to the waterways to ensure the areas are peaceful during the election.
“Only officials on essential duties which included the accredited election monitors and observers and students writing the NABTEB will be allowed movement.
“The ban on VIP escorts during the election will also be enforced. They should not move with their security details on election day.
“Any officer found wanting will be arrested and sanctioned accordingly,” he said.
Commissioner Olufemi Abaniwonda warned non-security personnel, including vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, and hunters, to stay away from polling units, as any interference with the electoral process would be met with swift and decisive action.
He emphasized the importance of residents’ cooperation and law-abiding behavior, as the election’s outcome largely depends on their conduct.
The commissioner reassured the public that the police would uphold their primary duty of ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, as well as protecting property, throughout the entire electoral process.
