The Bayelsa Police Command has vowed to deal decisively with political parties and candidates who foment trouble during the governorship election holding in the state today.

A statement issued Friday by Mr Asinim Butswat, Police Public Relations Officer for Bayelsa Command, noted that the command was adequately prepared to nip any violence in the bud.

Inspector General of Police Soloman Arase visited the state on December 1 and announced the deployment of 14,000 policemen and 15 Units of Mobile Policemen for the poll.

Buswat said: “The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Command has beefed up security with increased vehicular and foot patrols, as well as intensive surveillance in all nooks and crannies of the state.

“All political parties and their contestants should desist from any act capable of disrupting the elections process, they are advised to abide by the peace accord they had earlier signed and comply with the regulations guiding the electoral process.

“The Command in collaboration with other security agencies have synergised to create an enabling environment for the smooth conduct of the Governorship election.”

Butswat said that security agencies will enforce the restrictions of boats fitted with 200 horse power engine and above in the waterways of Bayelsa.

He further said that movement by water transportation and all river craft activities in the state waterways, from 7pm on December 4 to 7am on December 6, 2015.

“Any person or group of persons who violates this order will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he said, adding:

“Likewise, movement of persons, motor vehicles and tricycles will be restricted on the election date, from the hours of 6am to 6pm.

“Only those on essential services will be allowed to move.

“The electorates are advised to come out and exercise their franchise by casting their votes for candidates of their choice.”

In a related development, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, has given an assurance that the ballot will be peaceful.

He gave the assurance yesterday at the Corps National Headquarters, Abuja, disclosing that 10,000 personnel have been deployed to provide security before, during and after election.

According to the NSCDC helmsman, “Three Deputy Commandant Generals, 4 Assistant Commandant Generals, a host of Commandants, Officers and Men and sniffer dogs will be on hand to ensure a hitch-free poll on Saturday. Also, armed personnel have been strategically positioned to protect the Nations National Assets to dissuade hoodlums from having a field day.”

•Photo shows battle-ready policemen.

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