***Pledges Police neutrality in governorship election
By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Ahead of the September 21, 2024 Edo state governorship election, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has read the riot acts to the political actors in the election including candidates, supporters and the electorate to play by the rules of face the full weight of the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This is even as he has directed that all the local security groups in Edo state be banned till further notice, adding that the ban on Edo State Security Corp remains in force till contrary order from the Police high command.
Egbetokun who spoke on Wednesday in Benin City, the Edo state capital at the Election Stakeholders Meeting on the Edo State Governorship Election held at Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, said the upcoming election is critical to the survival of demand in Nigeria as the eyes of not only Nigeria but the international community are on how well or bad the election is conducted.
According to him the Nigeria Police is empowered by law as the lead security agency in the nation’s electoral process, Police will ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with the Constitution and Electoral Law which he said will be strictly enforced in Edo state.
Said he: “the Nigeria Police is taking the Edo state governorship election very serious. This is why I have come today for this Stakeholders Meeting to reassure the good people of Edo state that we are prepared and ready to do all it takes for the election to go on smoothly by ensuring that all persons and properties including equipment that will be used for this election will be secured.
“We will ensure strict compliance and enforcement of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, Police Act 2020, Criminal and Penal Code, Arms and Amunition Prohibition Laws and all Extanct Laws”.
Egbetokun also promised that Police will provide a conducive environment for the off-cycle governorship election, insisting that Police will provide a conducive environment for a peaceful conduct for a credible election.
Said he: “Our approach to election security is grounded in the principles of neutrality, professionalism and respect for human rights. We are committed to the deployment of adequate personnel and resources to ensure adequate crowd management, prevent electoral violence and address other security issues”.
Speaking further, the IGP assured that Police will mobilise fully to safeguard lives and property, revealing that several thousands of Police and other sister security agencies will be on ground in Edo to ensure a smooth conduct of the upcoming election.
“In this election, Police will be deploying 35,000 personnel and this will be complimented by over 8,000 of the armed forces and other security agencies. Also, in preparation for the election, Nigeria Police Force in Collaboration with these other security agencies have taken several measures including conducting a thorough threats analysis of the radical points in Edo state to private sources regrettably”.
He said that Police is doing everything possible to douse tension in Edo including engaging Inter-Agency Consultative and Collaboration at both the national and state levels, undertaking operational visits by Police Election Monitoring and Observation Team to Edo state for on the spot assessments and evaluation.
According to him in the lead up this election, the Nigeria Police Force with other security agencies will engage continuously with political parties and other relevant stakeholders and conducted public enlightenment for eligible voters and interest groups across the state.
The Police will also provide robust security for INEC officials, ensure the safe escorts of electoral materials, storage facilities to Registration Area Centres (RACs) and Polling Units (PUs).
Egbetokun assured that Police will secure the state’s entry and exit points with military support and ensure restrictions order on election day and the Nigeria Police will in addition, deploy adequate operational assets as necessary for this election”.
“I once again assure you of our unwavering neutrality and the neutrality of all the sister agencies. Our commitment is for free and fair election and to ensure a level playing field for the candidates.
“Our personnel have been trained to carry out their duties with neutrality and impartiality. Our loyalty lie with the Constitution and the people of Nigeria.
To the political parties and candidates, the IGP urged them to adhere to the rules that guide the electoral process, asking them to commit strictly and adhere to the democratic values.
To the residents of Edo,he said “We assure the residents of Edo state that we are fully prepared to safeguard your safety and security throughout this electoral process. Your right to vote is paramount and I will protect it.
“I encourage you to come out in large numbers to exercise your rights because our extensive deployment is intended to ensure your safety and integrity of the election”.
Meanwhile, Egbetokun read the riot acts to those who may want to disrupt the electoral process in Edo to beware, saying “I take this opportunity to warn all potential trouble makers to contemplating destructive actions to abandon such suggestions. The security forces will not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence and hooliganism.
“Any act to undermine the electoral process will be met with swift and decisive actions. Moreover, I want to emphasise that the management of election security is solely the responsibility of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee On Election Security (ICCES).
“This responsibility does not extend to any quasi-security entities or none state actors. I hereby direct, all local security apparatus within Edo state to refrain from interfering from election security functions.
“Any individual or group engaging in unauthorised security activities will face immediate arrest and prosecution. In this regard the activities of Edo State Security Corp which has been suspended, remains suspended until further notice.
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“Movements of persons and vehicles s restricted from 6 am to 6 pm on the day of election. All (Police )Oderlies and Escorts to VIPs are dropped or withdrawn on the eve of election day. The totality of protection will be provided across the state”.
Earlier in his Opening Remarks, Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has expressed his satisfaction over the Commission’s level of preparedness ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo state.
He however admonished the political parties eschew political intolerance and acts that will mar the electoral process, saying “You should continue to restrain your supporters from violence and other disruptive conduct. The best way to do so is by the personal example you set as political parties and candidates both in your campaign speeches and action”.
He also reminded the governorship candidates, their deputies and chairmen of political parties in Edo state of the importance of signing of the Peace Accord which comes up
tomorrow, (Thursday September 12, 2024), under the supervision of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Peace Committee.
