As
part of efforts to ensure adequate security for the forthcoming rerun
gubernatorial elections that will take place in seven out of the eight
Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State, scheduled to take place in the
State on Saturday 9th January, 2016, the Inspector-General of Police,
IGP Solomon E. Arase, fdc, NPM, has reassured that adequate security
logistics and manpower have been strategically deployed to achieve a
most conducive electioneering atmosphere.
Meanwhile,
the Police have commenced extensive security operations in the State,
including the deployment of plain cloth detectives and surveillance
helicopters for aerial patrols, while gunboats and speed boats will
complement the Police Marine Unit to convey security personnel and
election materials to riverine communities. Armed personnel from Police
Mobile Force, Special Protection Unit as well as Counter Terrorism Unit
of the Force are on ground to support the ongoing security operations in
the State.
In
addition, the IGP has deployed a Deputy Inspector-General of Police to
supervise security arrangements. He will be assisted by one Assistant
Inspector-General of Police and three Commissioners of Police. Over 5000
conventional Policemen have also been deployed for the election duty.
In
the same vein, the IGP has also placed an order banning movements in
and out of the LGAs where elections will hold with effect from 6am to
6pm on Saturday 9th January, 2016. However, persons on essential duties
such as Ambulance service providers, INEC officials, on-duty, security
men, accredited election monitors/observers, accredited journalists, etc
are not affected by this order.
While
expressing his regrets over the inconveniences that road users and the
general public may suffer as a result of this restriction, the IGP
appeals for the understanding and cooperation of the entire citizenry,
as the restriction is essentially to ensure the effective security of
citizens, election officials and materials. It is a strategy to curtail
the influx and movement of undesirable and criminal elements in and out
of the affected Local Government Areas before and during the election.
The
citizens of Bayelsa State are enjoined to come out enmasse to exercise
their civic right, as the Police assisted by other security agencies,
have mapped out plans to ensure that persons who are out to cast their
votes, do so without fear of molestation from any quarter. They are
advised to shun violence and all forms of thuggery, as the full weight
of the law will take its course on anyone apprehended.
ACP OLABISI KOLAWOLE
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA
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