The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has appointed Deputy Inspector-General Sylvester Abiodun Alabi as the coordinating officer for the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election, assigning him the responsibility of managing police security measures to ensure order and safety throughout the election period.
DIG Alabi will be supported by Assistant Inspector-General Bennett Igweh, designated as AIG Elections, and Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu, assigned as CP Elections, to strengthen the security framework.
In a statement issued by Force Headquarters, the police announced that these assignments are part of “comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process” for the Ondo governorship election on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
The statement outlined the following key security protocols:
1. Restriction of Movement: A general restriction on vehicular movement—including roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation—will be enforced from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day, except for essential services like ambulances, media personnel, and fire services.
2. Ban on Security Escorts: Security aides and escorts assigned to VIPs will not be permitted to accompany them to polling booths and collation centers, a measure aimed at preventing disruptions.
3. Authorized Personnel Only: Unauthorized security personnel, quasi-security agencies, and vehicles with sirens are prohibited from operating on Election Day to maintain order.
4. Special Accessibility Provisions: Polling stations will be accessible to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and others with mobility challenges.
In addition, dedicated helplines for election-related inquiries and incident reporting will be made available to the public ahead of the election day.
The Nigeria Police Force has urged citizens to report any suspicious activity that might compromise the integrity of the election and reinforced its commitment to creating a secure, democratic electoral environment.
The police will also work closely with the military and other federal security agencies, stressing that cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to ensure a fair and peaceful election.
