By: Biola Azeez, Ilorin
Kwara state Police command has threatened to sanction security aides and escorts accompanying
their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the 2023 general elections.
In a statement by the state commissioner of Police, Paul Odama, the command also emphasized that only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centres.
“The ban on unauthorized use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates, and tinted glasses is still in force, and violators would be sanctioned appropriately.
“Vigilante groups and other non-actors are excluded from the election security.
The Command, for the umpteenth time, appeals for the continued support and cooperation of the members of the public in this regard to enable the state to have a seamless electoral process.
“Members of the public are advised to cooperate with all security personnel and render any support needed to ensure the election’s success in Kwara State. They are further urged to discharge their civic responsibility without fear, as measures have been put in place to forestall any untoward incidents that may disrupt the peaceful conduct of the general election.
The Commissioner of Police Kwara State CP Paul Odama psc (+) wishes to inform the general public of the readiness of the command to enforce total restrictions of all forms of vehicular movements on roads and waterways by the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba NPM, fdc CFR, across the length and breadth of the KWARA State from 1200am to 0600pm of February 25, 2023. This restriction prevents criminally minded individuals from taking advantage of the elections to perpetrate evil in the state.
“However, vehicles carrying essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, medical personnel, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc. would be allowed to move when necessary”.
Also, the Kwara state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 2,500 personnel for the 2023 General election in the 16 local government areas of the state.
In a statement by the state commandant of the corps, Muhammed Tukur Ibrahim, he said that the deployment was done to ensure a hitch-free election and secure Nigerians’ lives and property before, during and after the election.
In his words, the commandant commended the people of Kwara state for their peaceful nature, adding that the corps would never take their peaceful nature for granted.
“We shall do everything possible to sustain and maintain the peace in the state.
He encouraged the personnel to uphold the dignity and integrity of the corps while discharging their duty during the elections.
He appealed to the youths to desist from any act of violence or actions that can undermine the peace of society.
He also admonished politicians to adhere strictly to the rules given by the INEC”.
