THE Delta State Police Command has announced the restriction of movement during the local governments election in Delta State slated for Saturday, July 13, 2024.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, warned troublemakers to stay away from the exercise, as security agents had been directed to deal with criminal elements planning to disrupt the exercise.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bright Edafe (SP), the Command has deployed personnel to ensure adequate security during and after the exercise, with restriction of vehicular movement between 8am and 3pm.
The Command banned non-state actors, such as hunters, vigilante groups, anti-cult volunteers and others from providing security during the election.
The statement added: “The Command, in synergy with other sister agencies, has deployed massively across the state, all polling units, RACs, collation centre, and DSIEC offices to ensure a hitch-free exercise and also protect the electorate and DSIEC officials. Marine Police have equally been deployed to the waterways to ensure the area too is peaceful during the election.
“There will be restriction of vehicular movement from 0800hours (8AM) to 1500 hours (3PM) on 13/07/2024. Only officials on emergency and essential duties, which include accredited election monitors and observers, will be allowed passage during this time. NABTEB examination students are also exempted from this restriction of movement order.
“While regretting the inconveniences this will cause, members of the public are, therefore, advised to adhere to this instruction, as anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The ban on VIP escorts during the election will also be enforced. They are, therefore, advised not to move with their security details on Election Day, as any officer found wanting will be arrested and sanctioned accordingly.
“The CP also advises all non-state actors (vigilante, anti-cult volunteers, hunters, etc.) that they will not be playing any role whatsoever during the elections, so they are to steer clear of the polling units and the entire election process, as any of them found meddling in the election process will be decisively dealt with.
“While wishing residents in the state a hitch-free election, it’s pertinent to note that the success of this election, to a large extent, lies on how the electorate conducts themselves.
“The CP, therefore, urges all residents to be law-abiding and rest assured that the Command will not compromise in carrying out its primary responsibility of ensuring the protection of life and property, as well as the preservation of public tranquility before, during and after the elections.
“The following dedicated phone lines are available to the public to reach the Command as a quick response contact for any complaint or distress situation during the election exercise: Control Room Numbers: 08036684974, 0811485600 and 08025666914.”
