NEWS DIGEST– In preparation for the off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police have issued strong warnings to maintain order and security during the upcoming polls.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made it clear that votes from polling units with a history of violence would not be counted. He stressed that the commission would not return to such units for elections.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also cautioned individuals and groups against disrupting the elections, emphasizing the readiness of the police to deal decisively with any troublemakers.
The INEC National Commissioner supervising Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, disclosed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) customized for the elections would bear INEC details, and the result sheets would be signed at the polling units.
Both INEC and the Police have taken measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections, including deploying personnel, distributing materials, and restricting vehicular movement on election day.
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Additionally, the Police Service Commission (PSC) will deploy staff monitors to oversee the conduct of policemen on election duties in the three states and ensure accountability.
The Police, under the leadership of Inspector-General Egbetokun, have taken additional steps to enhance security arrangements for the elections, deploying Deputy Inspectors General of Police to oversee security in each respective state.
Despite the inconveniences that the restrictions may cause, the public is urged to be law-abiding and turn out in large numbers to vote, while strict action will be taken against any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the elections.
The public has access to dedicated emergency contact numbers to report security concerns during the election period.
Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, commended the IG of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, for the support provided to ensure proper policing of the electorate and election materials.
In Kogi, stakeholders were urged to adhere to election rules to prevent violence before, during, and after the election. The Police emphasized the importance of abiding by election laws and warned that those fomenting trouble would face consequences.
