By Paul Joseph
The Ondo State Police Command has assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming bye-election in the state.
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, gave the assurance while receiving the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, and his team during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Akure on Wednesday.
According to the Police Command, discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between security agencies and INEC, as well as reviewing operational strategies aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process across the affected constituencies.
Lawal stated that the command had already commenced strategic operational planning to guarantee security throughout the election period, stressing that officers would be deployed to polling units, collation centres and other critical locations.
He also assured that INEC officials, ad-hoc staff, voters, electoral materials and facilities would receive adequate protection during the exercise.
The police commissioner said the command would intensify intelligence gathering, visibility policing and coordinated patrols to prevent any breakdown of law and order before, during and after the bye-election.
Speaking during the visit, the REC commended the Ondo State Police Command for its professionalism and proactive measures towards ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
Agboke reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to deliver a transparent, credible and hitch-free election.
Lawal also appreciated Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for supporting security operations in the state, while commending the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for providing strategic leadership towards electoral security nationwide.
He urged political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and in line with the law, while encouraging residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
Leave a Reply