Ondo: IGP Orders Deployment Of More Security Personnel To Curtail Post Election Crisis

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has mandated Police personnel deployed to Ondo state for last Saturday’s governorship election to remain in their duty posts for the time being.

Egbetokun, who spoke through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG), Abiodun Alabi on Sunday, expressed satisfaction with the performance of security personnel deployed for the election.

He promised that more personnel would be deployed to ensure that any form of post election crisis is nip on the bud.

During preparations for the election, the IGP disclosed that “The Nigeria Police will deploy a total of 34,657 personnel to the polling units, wards/LGA collation centers as well as other strategic locations.

“It is expected that Four Police personnel will be deployed at each polling unit, which then implies that 15,732 conventional police personnel will be required for the 3,933 polling units and voting points in the State.”

Egbetokun stated that “this marks a significant milestone in our nation’s democratic journey, as we laud the successful conclusion of the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election.

“I am proud to report that the electoral activities, from the initial stages of preparations to the final announcement of results, were secured with the highest level of integrity and professionalism by the police and other security agencies.

“The meticulous efforts of our officers, in collaboration with other election security agencies and stakeholders, ensured that they process was peaceful, free, and credible.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who played crucial roles, at one stage or the other, in this electoral process. The dedication and professionalism exhibited by election officials and poll workers across the 18 Local Governments Areas of the state.

“Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the public for their participation, patience, and vital role in safeguarding our democracy. It is your engagement that lends credence to the electoral process and underpins the very foundation of our nation.

“It is pertinent to state that during the electoral process, we recorded reports of pocket incidences, with some arrests made, though the incidences were inconsequential as the security agents deployed were able to effectively take charge of the situations.

“Moving on, I want to assure you of the continuous involvement of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure total serenity till the end and even after the election process.

“In that regard, we have deployed more security operatives across the state to monitor and protect every area even after the electoral process, for the maintenance of law and other, as the police and other security agencies will not allow any post-election ugly incident in any part of the state.

“Tactical teams have also been put on red alert to forestall any act capable of causing breach of public peace. As we look to the future, I would like to reaffirm the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold and protect democratic principles.

“The Force stands resolute in its mission to ensure playing its role of election security effectively. Our work does not end here; we will continue to advocate for a transparent electoral process and foster an environment where democracy can thrive.

“In this post-election period, I urge all citizens to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation. As we forge ahead, let us embrace our shared values and work collectively towards the betterment of our nation.

“Our strength lies in our ability to unite, regardless of our differences, and to support the democratic process that binds us together.”