Ondo poll: IGP restricts movements, bans officers from accompanying VIPs to polling booths
In preparation for the Saturday off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, southern Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun deployed DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating DIG to oversee security strategies and maintain law and order throughout the electoral period, while AIG Bennett Igweh and CP Tunji Disu are deployed as AIG and CP elections respectively.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP, while announcing comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process, also restricted vehicular movements on roads, waterways, and other means of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on election day, except for those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, fire services, and other accredited media.
The statement also stated that special consideration would be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those facing mobility challenges to ensure that polling stations remain accessible.
The statement added, “Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on using sirens by unauthorised vehicles will be enforced.
The statement, however, urged citizens to report all suspicious activities that may threaten the integrity of the electoral process while reaffirming its commitment to fostering a safe and democratic environment as the state gears up for the elections.
