Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has ordered massive deployment to enforce restriction of movement across the 25 LGAs, ahead of the local government elections on Saturday.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, read; “Ahead of the forthcoming local government elections slated to hold on 13/07/2024 where electorates in Delta State will exercise their right, the commissioner of Police Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has ordered massive deployment across the state to ensure hitch free elections. The Command in synergy with other sister agencies has deployed massively across the State all polling units, RACs, collation centres and DSIEC offices to ensure a hitch-free 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 continued: “There will be restriction of vehicular movement from 0800hours (8AM) to 1500 hours (3PM) on 13/07/2024, only officials on emergency and essential duties which include accredited election monitors and observers, will be allowed passage during this time. NABTEB examination students are also exempted from this restriction of movement order.
“While regretting the inconveniences this will cause, members of the public are therefore advised to adhere to this instruction as anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law. The ban on VIP escorts during the election will also be enforced, they are therefore advised not to move with their security details on election day, as any officer found wanting will be arrested and sanctioned accordingly.
“The CP also advises all non-state actors (vigilante, anti-cult volunteers, hunters etc.) that they will not be playing any role whatsoever during the elections, so they are to steer clear of the polling units and the entire election process, as any of them found meddling in the election process will be decisively dealt with. While wishing residents in the state a hitch-free election, it’s pertinent to note that the success of this election to a large extent, lies on how the electorate conducts themselves.
Abaniwonda urged all residents to be law-abiding and rest assured that the command will not compromise in carrying out its primary responsibility of ensuring the protection of life and property, as well as the preservation of public tranquillity before, during, and after the elections.
