Security Measures Taken Ahead Ekiti’s Gubernatorial Elections

Police have taken measures to enhance security ahead of the Saturday gubernatorial elections in Ekiti State.
This follows from a statement issued on Thursday, June 19, by the police spokesperson Frank Mba. The measures are taken in order to "ensure a proper coordination of security operations and thus realizing a hitch-free election, devoid of electoral fraud", Mba said.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar has deployed the Assistant IGP Bala M Nasarawa and five commissioners of police (CPs) to supervise security arrangements. One of the CPs will be in charge of Ekiti State, three CPs will be specifically supervising security arrangements in Ekiti-North, Ekiti-Central and Ekiti-South senatorial districts, and another one will be overseeing the operations of the Police Mobile Force and other special Strike Forces.

According to the statement, movements in and out of Ekiti state will be banned 6pm Thursday till the elections are over. On election-day movements will be restricted within the state between 6am to 8pm. Consequently, the neighbouring states of Kwara, Kogi, Ondo and Osun will have increased police presence with all entry and exit points in and out of Ekiti maximally policed.

Travelers are advised to use alternate routes. The restriction will not concern ambulance service providers, INEC officials, on-duty security men, accredited election monitors/observers, accredited journalists and other people on "essential duties".

"The order is informed by the need to forestall plans by criminal elements to undermine the electoral process as gathered through intelligence reports," Mba notes.

The police also urges all security details to desist from accompanying their principals to polling booths and collation centres on the election day. Only security personnel assigned for election duties must be seen within and around the election designated places, Mda added.

Police spokesperson appealed to Nigerians to see any inconveniences the order may cause "as a necessary sacrifice in the present circumstance geared towards the quest for a seamless, credible and successful gubernatorial election".