Operatives assigned to election duty on November 11 have been authorized to take prompt action against anyone found to be involved in activities that could compromise the voting process, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
News About Nigeria reports that, along with this caution, the IGP promised to ensure that all voters and participants would be safe throughout the election in a statement made public on Thursday by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The policemen in charge of electioneering processes, according to Egbetokun, have undergone substantial training on election monitoring, maintaining high security at polling places, and protecting the fundamental rights of the people. This is all part of the police commitment to uphold democratic ideals.
“The IGP issued a stern warning to individuals and groups who may contemplate disrupting the elections noting that officers deployed have been charged to take decisive action against anyone found engaging in unlawful activities that undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” the statement by Adejobi read.
As part of the state’s preparations for the 2023 governorship election, Egbetokun met with Imo political heavyweights in Owerri on Thursday.
In order to promote a harmonious and peaceful environment for a credible and successful electoral process, the IGP invited all political parties to participate in constructive discourse and embrace a peaceful climate during the election season.
The IGP’s comment comes just as Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma seeks to retain his governorship seat at the November 11 off-cycle election.
Mr Uzodinma, who was declared winner of the 2019 governorship election by the court, would this time be looking to secure his victory at the polling unit.
