…assures neutrality of all participating security agencies
…urges political parties, candidates to abide by the rules
…as PDP protests, demands release of arrested chieftains
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, said on Wednesday that the Nigeria Police Force will be deploying 35,000 personnel for the forthcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
This figure is 5,000 men more than the 30,000 force deployed by the police in the state’s governorship in 2020.
IGP Egbetokun, while speaking at the INEC election stakeholders’ meeting held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said the police will be neutral before, during and after the election. He assured of voter safety and said thuggery and hooliganism would not be tolerated.
“In this election, the police will be deploying 35,000 personnel and this will be complemented by over 8,000 members of the armed forces and other security agencies. In preparation for the election, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with these other security agencies, has undertaken several measures, including conducting a thorough threat analysis of vulnerable points in Edo State to deploy resources, effectively engaging in inter-agency consultation and collaboration at both national and state level,” Egbetokun said.
“I once again assure you of our unwavering neutrality and the neutrality of all participating security agencies. Our commitment is to a free and fair election, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. Our personnel have been trained to carry out their duties judiciously and impartially, our loyalty lies with the Constitution and the people of Nigeria.
“To the political parties and the candidates, I urge you all to abide by the rules and respect the electoral process. Let us collectively foster an environment that upholds democratic values and honours the will of our people. I assure the residents of Edo that we are fully prepared to safeguard everyone and provide security throughout this electoral process.
“The securities forces will not tolerate any form of thuggery, violence or hooliganism. Any attempt to undermine the electoral process will be met with swift and decisive action. Moreover, I want to emphasise that the management of election security is solely the responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force and other national security agencies within the law.
“This responsibility does not extend to private security entities or non-state actors. I hereby direct all local security apparatus within Edo state to refrain from interfering with election security functions. Any individual or group engaging in unauthorised security activities will face immediate arrest and prosecution. In this regard, the activities of Edo State Security Network, which has been suspended, remains suspended.
“The movement of persons and vehicles will be restricted from 6am to 6pm on the day of election, escorts to VIPs will be withdrawn on the eve of the election, with alternative security arrangements provided across the state,” he said.
This is as members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State staged a protest outside the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in the course of the event, demanding that the IGP release arrested party chieftains and put an end to the harassment of its members by the police.
The protesters chanted solidarity songs as they demonstrated for several hours, with security operatives standing guard and looking on.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Comrade Auwal Musa Rafisanjani, on Tuesday warned against the use of federal might to suppress other political parties in the said election.
Rafsanjani alerted President Bola Tinubu and various security agencies on the need to ensure credible, free and fair elections during the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.
Speaking in Abuja during a press conference that dwelt on the September 21, 2024 off-cycle election in the state, Rafisanjani warned against the use of federal might to suppress other political parties.
“Election is not war or a do-or-die affair. It is simply a civic matter. Political parties should play by the rules of the game and shun violence, including inciting statements and utterances capable of leading to violence,” Rafisanjani said.
“This is critical as TMG will continue to monitor the activities of political parties and their supporters now, during and after the election.
“INEC staff and other electoral officials must conduct and hold themselves to the highest order. Logistic preparation must be top-notch to eliminate scepticism about the credibility of the election.
“The Nigeria Police, other security agencies, law enforcement agencies should not stand aloof while unruly people commit crimes or take laws into their hands before, during and after the elections,” he said.
