By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba Usman, has deployed four Commissioners of Police (CPs) to Delta State for the February 25 and March 11, 2023 general elections.
The deployed CPs included, CP John Babangida, who’s posted as election CP, Delta State Command, CP Mamman Sanda, posted to Delta North, CP Zachariah Fera deployed to Delta South, and CP Adebola Hamzat posted to Delta Central.
The deployment was contained in a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe, and made available to journalists in the state.
He added that the command, in synergy with other sister agencies, has also deployed personnel across the state, including all polling units, RACs, collation centres, and INEC offices to ensure a tight security.
“Marine Police have equally been deployed to the waterways to ensure that that area too is peaceful during the election.
“There will be restriction of vehicular movement from 0000hours to 1800 hours on 25/02/2023 and 11/03/2023, only officials on emergency and essential duties, which includes accredited election monitors and observers, will be allowed passage during this time.
“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 still stands.
“They are, therefore, advised not to move with their security details on Election Day, and any officer found wanting will be arrested and sanctioned accordingly,” the statement read in part.
Meanwhile, “the CP Election Delta Command 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 elections wishes to state that the success of this election, to a large extent, lies on how the electorate conduct themselves in accordance with all the extant laws, he therefore urge 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 preservation of public tranquillity before, during, and after the elections.”
To ensure a secure atmosphere during the polls, the command has issued some dedicated phone lines to the public to reach the command, in case of emergency.
The numbers include:
08036684974, 08125958005, 09053872287
