Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigerian Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, has commenced the deployment of security personnel to polling units and strategic tactical positions across the state ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, August 22.
The deployment covers all 13 Local Government Areas of the state and is aimed at ensuring adequate security before, during and after the polls.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, and obtained by Channels Television.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor, is coordinating the security arrangements in collaboration with sister security agencies to provide a robust security framework for the election.
The command said the deployment is intended to protect voters and other stakeholders, while ensuring that eligible residents can exercise their franchise without intimidation, harassment or other forms of disruption.
As part of measures to maintain public order, the police announced a restriction on vehicular and human movement across Ebonyi State on election day.
The restriction will take effect from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The command, however, said the restriction would not apply to individuals performing essential duties or carrying out election-related assignments.
Those exempted include officials of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), accredited journalists, certified election observers, emergency medical responders and health workers, as well as authorised security personnel and other essential service providers.
The police said all exempted persons would be required to present valid institutional identification and official electoral accreditation for verification at security checkpoints.
The Commissioner of Police also warned political leaders, party stalwarts and supporters against inflammatory statements and provocative actions capable of heightening tension or undermining the electoral process.
Okafor warned that individuals or groups who attempt to disrupt public peace or violate the law would be arrested and prosecuted.
She urged voters to conduct themselves peacefully, obey lawful directives from security personnel and refrain from actions capable of disrupting the election.
The commissioner assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, had put adequate measures in place to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.
She said the command remained fully prepared to ensure that the local government elections are conducted in a peaceful, secure and hitch-free atmosphere.
