By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has said the Nigeria Police Force will work in concert with other security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee to ensure a seamless conduct of the Ondo governorship election slated for November 16.
Egbetokun noted that these agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, to ensure that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.
In this regard, the Chief Police Officer said he has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun and Vigilante Corps, among others, which he described as “quasi-security organisations”, from participating in the Ondo governorship election.
This was contained in a statement released by the Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday.
The statement partly reads, “Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.
“The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and by the highest standards of electoral integrity.”
The IGP also ordered the deployment of officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit.
He added that aerial patrols would be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats would patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.
Adejobi added: “As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector-General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.
“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.
“The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies. These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.
“In addition to ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters, while gunboats will patrol the state’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains. These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process and will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”
The IGP also vowed to deal ruthlessly with political thugs or individuals planning to disrupt the elections.
Among those contesting are the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC) and a former deputy governor of the state, Mr Agboola Ajayi who is running on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), amongst others.
No fewer than 17 political parties will participate in the election and all had signed the peace accord promising to eschew violence and embrace peace during the exercise.
