By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has assured residents and political stakeholders of adequate security and professional conduct by security personnel ahead of the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election, declaring that comprehensive operational plans have been activated across the state to guarantee a peaceful, free and credible poll.
According to an official signed statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the IGP gave the assurance on Thursday during the Election Stakeholders’ Meeting and Signing of the Peace Accord held in Ado-Ekiti.
The meeting brought together major electoral and political stakeholders, including representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, political parties, candidates, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, security agencies, religious leaders, as well as members of the diplomatic and observer community.
The IGP commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and the National Peace Committee for sustaining initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful democratic participation and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
He particularly praised General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his continued commitment to peace, national unity and democratic stability in the country.
Disu further reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, to ensuring a peaceful, secure and credible governorship election across Ekiti State.
The police chief disclosed that detailed deployment plans and operational strategies had already been concluded for all 16 Local Government Areas, 154 wards and more than 2,400 polling units across the state.
He added that personnel and operational assets had been strategically positioned to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, observers and other participants throughout the electoral process.
The IGP also assured that officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force would remain professional, impartial and law-abiding during the election period, while urging political actors to abide by the provisions of the Peace Accord and conduct their activities peacefully.
He equally encouraged residents of Ekiti State to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation, assuring them of adequate security before, during and after the election.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting democratic values, maintaining public order and supporting the peaceful conduct of elections across the country.
