Ahead of the Local Government Area and Area Council elections on Saturday, September 21, the Imo State Police Command has beefed up security across the state.
According to the Command's spokesman, Henry Okoye, the state's Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, said the measures taken are to ensure a safe, transparent and credible election in the 27 local government areas of the state.
Okoye also revealed that movement of vehicles will be stopped from midnight on Friday to 6pm on election day except those on essential services such as medical, fire service and authorised media and accredited election observers.
He further mentioned that armed security teams are also prohibited from following VIPs to polling stations and warned that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process will be dealt with.
He said: “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has put in place comprehensive security measures for the local government chairmanship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
“These measures are designed to ensure a credible, transparent and secure electoral process in the 27 local government areas.
“On election day, a restriction on vehicle circulation will be applied from midnight to 6:00 p.m., allowing only essential services, such as doctors, firefighters, authorized media and accredited election observers. This is intended to facilitate a smooth voting process.
“CP Danjuma stressed the need for all political actors to abide by the standards set by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC). He also warned that armed security agents are prohibited from accompanying VIPs to polling stations in order to maintain impartiality.
“Voters are encouraged to participate actively and are assured that their safety remains a top priority. Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers will monitor security to prevent any breach within their jurisdictions.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterated that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process will be met with decisive action, reaffirming the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to uphold public peace and ensure a smooth election day.”
