Election Security: Massive Police Deployment To Man Reruns In Enugu
Enugu state Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the massive deployment of Police operatives and other resources to ensure hitch-free exercise in the rerun elections scheduled for Saturday, February 3 2024, at Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency and Enugu South Urban state Constituency. He also ordered the restriction of non-essential and unauthorised human and vehicular movements in Igbo-Eze North and Udenu Local Government Areas from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. of the election day.
In a release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, CP Uzuegbu further ordered full enforcement of the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, banning all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centers during the election.
“This is in addition to barring State-established and owned security outfits and organisations, like the Neighborhood Watch Group and the Forest Guards, other quasi-security units, and privately owned guard and security outfits from participating in the elections’ security management.
“Consequently, the Commissioner has reaffirmed the preparedness of the Police and other security agencies in the State to ensure maximum security and safety before, during, and beyond the period of the elections. He, therefore, urges the electorate in the areas to massively go out and exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or molestation”, the statement added.
According to the release, the CP also cautioned political parties, their candidates, and their supporters against conducting themselves in ways capable of contravening provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and breaching public peace during the elections, warning that anyone found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The statement further enjoined the citizenry, particularly the electorate and residents in the areas of the rerun elections to “be law-abiding, vigilant, and promptly report acts of crime and observed electoral offences to the nearest police station or call 08032003702, 08086671202, 0809880172, or 08075390883”.
PUBLISHER- SAM UDEKWE
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
