Police ban VIP escorts, order massive deployment ahead of Delta LG election
Police ban VIP escorts, order massive deployment ahead of Delta LG election
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Delta Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda has banned very important person escorts and ordered massive deployment of police ahead of the forthcoming local government election that is scheduled to be held on Saturday, July 13.
In a statement on Thursday by the Delta State Police Command’s spokesperson, Edafe Bright, the CP cautioned that they will enforce restrictions of movement across all the local government areas in the state.
The statement read, “Ahead of the forthcoming local government elections slated to be held 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 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.
There will be restriction of vehicular movement from 0800hours (8 AM) to 1500 hours (3 PM) 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.”
Abaniwonda in the statement pointed out that non-state actors including vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, and hunters will not be allowed to play any role during the election process and urged the residents to remain law-abiding.
“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 in how the electorate conducts themselves.
“The CP therefore urges 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. The following dedicated phone lines are available to the public to reach the command, as a quick response contact for any complaint or distress situation during the election exercise: 08036684974, 08025666914,” the statement added.
