Ahead of the governorship election in Ekiti state, the Nigeria Police have vowed to deal with any electoral offenders during the conduct of the election.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Babatunde Johnson Kokumo, in charge of the Ekiti election, said this when he visited the Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner, Rec, Dr Adeniran Rahmon.
Kokumo said the Force has imposed restriction of movement in and out of the state from the hours of 11:59am on Friday, adding that a robust security arrangement has been put in place to ensure a transparent poll in the state.
The Force have also embarked on an aerial patrol of Ado Ekiti, the state capital as part of its confidence building measures.
This was as it alongside sister agencies embarked on a show of force in the capital and other major towns in the state.
Kokumo said: “the security arrangement was being carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies.
He appealed to Ekiti residents to cooperate with security agencies in its efforts to prevent the incursion of criminal elements into the state.
Kokumo also said that the restriction of movement was to prevent incursion of criminals into the state.
Kokumo urged travellers and commuters hoping to move through the State to seek alternative routes.
He said that “it would help security agencies prevent flow of illicit drugs and illegal arms into the said.
The DIG also announced the withdrawal of police personnel attached to candidates contesting in the election and other VIPs in the state.
Kokumo warned that policemen found with VIPs or candidates during the conduct of the election would be dealt with.
He appealed to all accredited observers to observe all rules guiding their deployment for the exercise.
“We are here to interface and familiarise with your office. We want to let you know that healthy and robust security arrangements have been put in place.
“This exercise is not going to be a permanent arrangement. We urged the public to bear with us.
“We asked them to bear with our men who are checking for arms and ammunition.
“We are ready for the assignment. Other security agencies are ready for the assignment.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to make sure there is adequate security for INEC and the citizens of Ekiti State.
“ Our men should look out for electoral offenders. Any infraction of the electoral act will be frowned upon.
“Offenders will be arrested and followed up with prosecution. We will work with you to ensure a credible Ekiti gubernatorial election.”
Kokumo urged the REC to ensure a prompt report of where there are complaints as quickly as practicable.
The Ekiti REC, Rahmon said the body was ready for peaceful polls.
Vanguard
