ABUJA, JULY 22, 2016 – The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Ibrahim Idris, has directed the Commissioners of Police in Imo and Kogi to ensure adequate deployment of Police personnel for the conduct of the re-run Senatorial elections in the states on July 23.The two states Houses of Assembly re-run elections are also scheduled to hold on the same date.
The directive is contained in a statement issued by the Force Spokesman, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Don Awunah, in Abuja on Friday.
Awunah said that the security arrangements would also cover the Houses of Assembly re-run elections taking place on the same date in the two states.
He said that additional Police Mobile Force personnel, Counter Terrorism Units and Conventional Policemen from the adjoining states had been deployed to the states.
He explained that the measure was aimed at guaranteeing a hitch-free and credible electioneering process during the re-run elections.
The spokesman said that the personnel would be deployed to flash points and other strategic locations within the senatorial districts the elections would take place.
He said the commissioners of Police in the two states were under strict instructions from the I-G to provide adequate security for INEC Staff, Election materials and others.
Awunah advised Politicians, Community leaders, Parents and Guardians to prevail on their supporters, subjects, children and wards to be law abiding.
He warned that the full weight of the law would be applied on anyone who violated the electoral act or causing violence during the election.
“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, wishes to assure the electorate and other law abiding citizens of adequate security and safety before, during and after the elections,“he said.
He said that the I-G enjoined them to cooperate with the Police in discharging their duties.
Awunah said Idris warned all security details to refrain from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the elections.
