Nov 11 election: Orderlies, guards escorting principals to polling unit will be arrested – Police

As Bayelsa State gears up for its gubernatorial elections, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning against election violence and has committed to arresting and prosecuting those who perpetrate or instigate such acts.JAMB Portal

The Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police overseeing the elections in Bayelsa, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, made the force’s stance clear in Yenagoa on Thursday. He emphasized the prohibition of security details or personal guards accompanying any individuals to the polling units, a move intended to maintain order and prevent intimidation at these locations.

During a briefing with election stakeholders and senior police officers assigned to the election duty, Sokari-Pedro conveyed the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who has instructed officers to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring it remains free, fair, and without obstruction.

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Sokari-Pedro also mentioned that all three senatorial zones of the state have been marked as potentially volatile. The police have identified specific local government areas as flashpoints, suggesting heightened security measures and vigilance in these areas to mitigate risks and ensure the smooth conduct of the off-cycle election.

“The three Senatorial zones that make up the state are politically volatile, and some local governments are flashpoints, they include Sagbama, Nembe, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw and Brass.JAMB Result

“These are just some of the local governments that are most volatile.NYSC Portal

“Unfortunately, the youths have been identified as the vanguard of election violence, and the so-called godfathers and principals are the purveyors and patrons of this,” Sokari-Pedro said.

He noted that election violence has been allowed to fester because both perpetrators and their sponsors have always escaped prosecution.

Sokari-Pedro directed police officers in all the local governments to carry out a show of force and put all suspects out of circulation.InformationGuideNigeria

“Any orderly or guard that escorts his principal to the polling centre shall be arrested and thereafter tried in the orderly room, in this case, if care is not taken, may lead to his dismissal.

“I want to assure you that at every point from voting, counting and collation, police shall provide protection for voters, INEC officials, property and materials. Sanctions shall be meted to officers for any breach,” he said.

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