Ahead of the August 30 local government elections in Rivers State, the police have warned cultists and other potential troublemakers to steer clear, vowing to deal decisively with anyone planning to disrupt the exercise.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, gave the warning on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the state command headquarters in Port Harcourt.
He assured that the command, working with sister security agencies, had put adequate measures in place to guarantee free, fair and peaceful elections.
Adepoju announced a restriction of human and vehicular movements from midnight on the eve of the elections until 6 p.m. on election day.
However, he clarified that those on essential duties and election-related assignments would be issued passes and identity tags to enable them to move freely.
“You are all aware that on the 30th of this month we are going to have the local government elections. We have done all due diligence to ensure it is going to be peaceful. We have held meetings with stakeholders across the state and directed the sole administrators to sensitise residents, all of which have received positive responses,” he said.
The police commissioner added that election materials would be fully escorted, and robust security would be provided before, during and after the polls.
“Those who want to foment trouble should desist because we are not going to take it kindly. We have also done the needful to ensure that cult activities and those that may want to disrupt the peace during the elections have been checkmated,” Adepoju stressed.
He revealed that the command had conducted raids on black spots and vulnerable areas across the state, adding that stakeholders, including political parties, had signed a peace accord to commit themselves to non-violence.
“All security agencies will participate in this election, with the police as the lead agency. We are also expecting Mobile Police Force operatives from Abuja to complement our men here. We have enough manpower on the ground for this election, and anyone who tries to foment trouble will be decisively dealt with,” he said.
Adepoju praised Rivers residents for their maturity and peaceful conduct since the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, expressing confidence that the elections would hold without incident.
