The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive banning security aides and escorts from accompanying VIPs to polling stations and collation centres during the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024. This move is part of a comprehensive set of security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun outlined a range of strategies to maintain law and order during the election period. To oversee the security arrangements, Egbetokun has appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Sylvester Alabi as the Coordinating DIG for the election, supported by Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Bennett Igweh and Commissioner of Police (CP) Tunji Disu in their respective roles as AIG and CP Elections.
As part of the security framework, Egbetokun announced a restriction on all vehicular and transport movements within the state on election day, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for essential services personnel, including ambulances, media officials, and fire services.
Furthermore, to prevent disruptions and maintain order, security aides and escorts assigned to VIPs will be prohibited from accompanying them into polling stations and collation centres. The IGP also warned that unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be allowed to operate during the election, and a strict ban on the use of sirens by non-authorized vehicles will be enforced.
Special provisions have been made to ensure accessibility at polling stations for individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with mobility challenges.
The IGP emphasized that designated election hotlines for inquiries and incident reporting will be made public soon, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities that may threaten the integrity of the election process.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to fostering a safe, democratic environment for the Ondo election, and we are working closely with the military and other federal security agencies to ensure the process is fair, peaceful, and transparent,” Egbetokun said in the statement.
