In preparation for the upcoming off-season governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to political actors and their supporters. He emphasized that the police and other security agencies are determined to prevent any form of hooliganism, political unruliness, or lawlessness during these elections and in any other state across Nigeria.
The warning was delivered on October 17, 2023, during a high-level inter-agency security meeting convened by IGP Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was called to address security concerns surrounding the governorship elections in the aforementioned states, which are scheduled for November 11, 2023.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police at the meeting, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ede Ayuba underscored the importance of collaboration among various security and law enforcement agencies in ensuring election security. He emphasized the need to develop joint strategies that would guarantee secure, free, fair, and credible elections.
The meeting brought together senior officers representing leadership from various security and law enforcement agencies involved in election security, including the Service Chiefs, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Directors-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA), as well as heads of other agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Services, Federal Fire Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
DIG Ede Ayuba commended the collaborative efforts of the armed forces and other sister law enforcement agencies in promoting unity and contributing to the success of previous general elections.
This meeting is part of a series of brainstorming sessions organized by the police to enhance the security of the forthcoming off-season elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo States. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including a comprehensive assessment of potential threats and vulnerabilities in these states, intelligence sharing, logistical planning, conflict prevention, technology and innovation, and the deployment of manpower.
While reiterating the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to maintaining law and order during the elections, DIG Ede Ayuba issued a clear message to political leaders and their supporters, urging them to adhere to the rules and engage in the electoral process in a law-abiding manner.