The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mohammed Danmallam, has assured residents of the state of adequate protection during and after Saturday’s Local Government elections in the state.
Danmallam told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the police and sister security agencies had concluded arrangements to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order during and after the elections.
NAN reports that the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) had fixed Saturday, Nov. 4, for Local Government Elections in the state’s 17 council areas and 261 political wards for chairmanship and councillorship positions.
No fewer than 25 political parties signed a Peace and Exemplary Conduct Bond which was administered by the commissioner of police, recently.
Danmallam, therefore, urged the residents of the state to come out en masse and exercise their franchise; while remaining law-abiding.
He noted that the security agencies would not allow any act of intimidation or harassment of anyone by individuals or groups.
‘‘As for me and other sister security agencies, the existing peace in the state is sacrosanct.
‘‘We will not allow it to be jeopardised by anybody, groups or political party.
‘‘I am assuring the peace-loving people of the state that police and other sister security agencies are on ground 24/7 during and after the election.
‘‘Do not entertain any fear or allow anybody to intimidate you on the choice of candidate or candidates you have decided to vote for.
“I am assuring you that huge numbers of security agencies both in uniform and plain clothes will be around all nooks and crannies of the state,’’ he said.
The commissioner warned that anybody that tried to foment trouble would be dealt with decisively, saying he had earlier briefed his officers and men not to overlook any slightest incident.
NAN reports that the commissioner had earlier said that the joint security agencies in the state would be deploying over 5,000 personnel and with hundreds of vehicles for the polls.
Notable among the political parties vying for positions in the elections expected to start at 8 a.m. on Saturday are: the All Progressives Congress (APC); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the United Peoples Party (UPP), among others.
(NAN)
