The police are appealing to Nigerians to stay off electoral violence as residents of Ekiti State go to the polls on Saturday 18 June to elect their next governor.
In a video released by the police Sunday evening, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi called on voters and politicians to abide by the Electoral Act.
“We are going into the gubernatorial elections in Ekiti State. We want to appeal to all Nigerians to please let us play the game according to the rule of the game.
“It’s like a football pitch. We have rules. We have principles and we have a code of conduct as professionals.
“We are speaking tough against any electoral violence, any criminal offenses related to our elections in this land,” he said.
The police spokesman also called on residents to support the police.
“We want to appeal to all of you, particularly residents in Ekiti and those that want to participate in this election to please adhere strictly to our instructions.
“There’s going to be restriction of movement as would be declared by the DIG or Commissioner of police in Ekiti State.
“We want you to support the police and other security operatives that have been detailed for this special duty."
He however explained that security personnel deployed for the election will wear identification tags at all times.
Any officer not wearing a tag should be disregarded and reported, he said.
IGP Orders Deployment of Police Personnel and Assets
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba has in the meantime ordered the deployment of adequate personnel and other operational assets ahead of the 18 June vote.
Mr. Adejobi released a statement on Sunday remarking that these include Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), the Police Air, the Force Marine, mounted troops, and the K-9 Section.
Strategic Commanders from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police would also be deployed.
All security deployments would be coordinated by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Johnson Kokumo.
He will be assisted by four Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), three Commissioners of Police (CPs), five Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), and 18 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).
The Police Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Forces personnel, Explosives Ordinance Unit (EOD), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), and INTERPOL would also be on the ground for the election.
