By Abiola Olawale
As the November 16 Ondo State Governorship election is fast approaching, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive prohibiting security aides and escorts from accompanying VIPs into polling booths and collation centres.
Egbetokun said the measure is aimed at maintaining order and ensuring the integrity of the voting process during the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday.
In the statement, Adejobi revealed that Egbetokun has implemented “comprehensive security measures” to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.
He added that the IGP has approved the deployment of Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sylvester Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the election to oversee the implementation of security strategies and to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.
The IGP also named Bennett Igweh, an assistant inspector-general, and Tunji Disu, a commissioner of police, as AIG and CP elections, respectively.
Egbetokun said all movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation are restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday in the state except for those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, and fire service personnel.
The statement reads in part: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM., has announced comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Ondo off-season Gubernatorial elections scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024.
“In preparation for the elections, the IGP has deployed DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating DIG for the Elections, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Police security strategies to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period, while AIG Bennett Igweh, mni, and CP Tunji Disu are deployed as AIG and CP Elections respectively.
“As part of the security framework, there will be a restriction of all vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on Election Day, except those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.
“Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles will be enforced. Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those facing mobility challenges to ensure that polling stations remain accessible.
“Designated election lines have been established for inquiries and reporting incidents. These lines will be publicized as soon as possible.
“The Nigeria Police Force urges citizens to report all suspicious activities that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment as the state gears up for the elections. The Police will also be working with the military and other Federal security agencies as collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are vital to ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully.”
The New Diplomat reports that the voters of Ondo State are preparing to cast their ballots in a pivotal election, where they will choose their preferred candidate for the coveted governorship position.
According to INEC, 18 political parties nominated candidates for the election. The final list of candidates published by INEC on June 14th, 2024, included the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Agboola Ajayi.
Other governorship candidates with their deputies include – Accord Party, Ajibola Falaiye, deputy, Samuel lkuyajolu; Action Alliance, Omolere Akinuli, deputy, Oluwatosin Adeyemi; African Action Congress, Oluwaseyi Ajayi, deputy, Abiodun Lijofi; All Progressive Grand Alliance, Olatunji Popoola, deputy, Ayorinde Adedeji, and Allied Peoples Movement, Isaac Ogunfeyimi, deputy, Arowolo Afolabi.
Also in the contest are Action Peoples Party, Babatunde Fadoju, deputy, Olarewaju Ajagunna; African Democratic Congress, Adeyemi Nejo, deputy, Rasheed Ibrahim; New Nigeria People’s Party, Gbenga Edema; and Peoples Redemption Party, Babatunde Alli, deputy, Olusegun Famesa.
