Atleast 67,000 police personnel have been deployed to the Kogi and Bayelsa States ahead of the governorship poll.
According to The PUNCH, the military and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, have declared a battle against hoodlums who may be planning to snatch ballot boxes during Saturday’s governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and his counterpart in Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, are seeking re-election, while Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is rounding off his second term and is supporting the All Progressives Congress candidate, Usman Ododo, whom he anointed among the aspirants to win the party’s ticket.
Speaking on the security operations for the election, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Maj Gen Jamal Abdussalam, warned anyone planning to snatch ballot boxes or cause trouble in the governorship poll to steer clear of the coastal state or face the consequences.
Abdussalam gave the directive while addressing troops and members of other security agencies during ‘Exercise Safe Conduct 2023’ in Bayelsa State on Monday.
This was contained in a statement by the acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Major Jonah Danjuma.
The GOC charged the troops to ensure the people of Bayelsa State came out in their numbers to vote for candidates of their choice without any fear of intimidation.
He stated, “We must ensure that everywhere is safe and people are able to see sufficiently that we are fully on the ground to boost public confidence in the electoral process.”
The GOC disclosed that troops had been adequately briefed on the code of conduct and rules of engagement for the elections, adding that they must conduct themselves in the most professional manner before, during, and after the poll.
He warned that no form of complacency would be tolerated at all levels, while calling on all the participating troops ‘’to close up on troublemakers during the election.’’
The army chief warned, “No stone would be left unturned to deal decisively with any individual or group, whose stock in trade is to cause mayhem or snatch ballot boxes during the elections.
“If the troublemakers feel they have two heads, they must be ready with the second head because the first head would surely be taken off.
“The era of snatching ballot boxes, stuffing them, and indeed any form of electoral violence are gone. “
Also speaking on the police preparation for the poll, the IG said the force would not tolerate electoral violence during the governorship election.
