Delta State Police Ban Non-State Actors from Interfering in Local Government Elections
The Delta State Police Command has issued a stern warning to non-state actors, including vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, hunters, and others, to stay away from the upcoming local government elections in the state. The ban comes ahead of the elections, scheduled to take place on Saturday.
According to Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, the command will not tolerate any interference from non-state actors in the election process. He vowed to decisively deal with anyone found meddling in the elections, emphasizing that such individuals must steer clear of polling units and the entire election process.
To ensure a hitch-free election, the command has deployed Marine Police to the waterways and others to the 25 local government areas. Abaniwonda also stated that the command, in synergy with other sister agencies, is prepared to protect all polling units, RACs, collation centers, and offices of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), its officials, and the electorate.
The Commissioner of Police also announced restrictions on vehicular movement from 8 am to 3 pm on election day. Only officials on emergency and essential duties, including accredited election monitors and observers, will be allowed passage during this time. NABTEB examination students are exempted from this restriction, as well as VIP escorts, who are advised not to move with their security details on election day.
While regretting the inconvenience this may cause, the public is advised to adhere to the instruction, as anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law. Abaniwonda emphasized that the success of the election lies in how the electorate conduct themselves, urging residents to be law-abiding and rest assured that the command will not compromise in carrying out its primary responsibility of ensuring the protection of life and property, as well as the preservation of public tranquility, before, during, and after the elections.
