With the November 16 Ondo State governorship election few days away, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has banned the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun and Vigilante Corps from participating in the election.
The ban was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Nigerian Police Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi.
He stated that the IGP has ordered the deployment of officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and K-9 Unit among others.
According to him, the police boss also ordered that aerial patrols be conducted with police helicopters. While gunboats would patrol the State’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains.
The statement read in part, “As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector-General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.
“The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election. Including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.
“The deployment will see officers from various specialized units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies. These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022. By ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.
“In addition, ground personnel, aerial patrols will be conducted with police helicopters. While gunboats will patrol the State’s waterways and riverine areas to ensure security across all terrains. These comprehensive measures will serve as a deterrent to any attempt to disrupt the electoral process. And will enhance the overall stability of the elections.”
Adejobi added that the IGP also threated to deal with political thugs or individuals planning to disrupt the elections.
He said, “Only the Federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in the election.
“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals. Or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election. They will face the full force of the law. The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardize the peace and security of the State will not go unpunished.”
According the INEC, no fewer than 17 political parties will participate in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
source: Channels TV
