Ahead of the local government elections in Delta State slated for Saturday, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered massive deployment across the state, including marine policemen, to ensure hitch-free exercise.

The police also announced the restriction on vehicular movement between 8 am and 3 pm, adding that only officials on emergency and essential duties would be allowed movement.

The restriction exempted students from writing the National Business and Technical Examinations Board examination.

A statement Issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, in Asaba, on Thursday, said, “The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has ordered massive deployment across the state to enable the electorate in Delta State to exercise their right.

“The command, in synergy with other sister agencies, has deployed massively across all polling units, RACs, collation centres, and DSIEC offices to ensure a hitch-free exercise and also protect the electorate and DSIEC officials.

“Marine Police have equally been deployed to the waterways, to ensure the area too is peaceful during the election.”

There will be restriction of vehicular movement from 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday. Only officials on emergency and essential duties, which include accredited election monitors and observers, will be allowed passage during this time.

“NABTEB examination students are also exempted from this restriction of movement order.”

It added, “While regretting the inconveniences this will cause, members of the public are, therefore, advised to adhere to this instruction, as anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

The police also announced that the ban on the Very Important Personality escorts during the election would be enforced, as it advised that no security details should escort any personality on election day.

“The ban on VIP escorts during the election will also be enforced. They are, therefore, advised not to move with their security details on Election Day, as any officer found wanting will be arrested and sanctioned accordingly,” it added.

Non-state actors such as vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, and hunters, among others, were also advised to stay away during the election. (The PUNCH)

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