Ahead of the Edo State governorship election today, the Nigerian Police Force has advised voters to return home immediately after casting their ballots.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba, emphasized this directive while speaking on a special edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, where he addressed issues surrounding the Edo election.
“Today it is important for parents and for everybody to know that if you are not accredited to carry out any of the functions related to the election, you should not be out on the street,” DIG Mba stated. He added, “Just come, go out there, perform your civic duties, cast your vote, and return to your home.”
In terms of preparation, DIG Mba assured residents that the police are fully ready for the election. “I will say all is set. We have done our deployments, and we have taken care of all our concerns. We have made provisions for tomorrow; we have taken care of INEC headquarters, the RAC centres, and anticipated operations for tomorrow, and so we are good to go,” he said confidently.
Vote Buyers to Be Dealt With
Addressing the issue of vote buying, DIG Mba acknowledged the challenges involved in tackling such offenses. “Vote buying is one of the most difficult offences to actually police and manage, and I am saying this with every sense of honesty,” he remarked. He further explained, “The reason is simple – the bulk of vote buying and selling that takes place doesn’t happen in the glare of the public, the media, or law enforcement agents. Sometimes, they take place in the bedrooms of citizens, and we don’t have the capacity to police every bedroom, every kitchen, every toilet, and every balcony.”
However, he assured the public that offenders caught in the act will be dealt with accordingly. “Our pledge is that the ones that happen in the glare of the public, the ones our security network can detect and intercept, we will deal with them,” he vowed.
As the people of Edo State prepare to vote for a new governor in the off-cycle election, there are 17 candidates vying for the seat at the Dennis Osadebay House in Benin City.
IGP Orders Restriction of Movement
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, directed a restriction of movement across Edo State to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. “This is to ensure a peaceful and orderly election,” the IGP stated.
The IGP has also placed a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centers, emphasizing that unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security outfits will not be allowed to operate during the election. He further prohibited the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles to maintain a calm environment for voters.
In a statement released by the force’s Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, the IGP ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day. “Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders,” the statement clarified.
The police have urged all residents to cooperate with these measures and assured them of their commitment to ensuring a safe and smooth election in Edo State.
