By Joyce Ekeh
The Delta State Police Command has deployed personnel across Udu Local Government Area ahead of Saturday’s Udu State Constituency House of Assembly bye-election, while the state government has imposed a movement restriction from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, said the deployment would cover polling units, collation centres, major routes and other critical locations to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free election.
The command, in a statement issued by its spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, on Thursday, said Erale had directed all officers deployed for the election to remain professional, vigilant and impartial.
According to the statement, the personnel would provide adequate protection for voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, accredited observers and electoral materials.
It added that patrol and response teams would also be positioned at strategic locations to maintain security and respond promptly to any breach of peace.
Erale warned political actors and their supporters against actions capable of disrupting the election.
The CP said, “Political actors and their supporters are particularly advised to caution their followers, as anyone found engaging in any act that undermines the peaceful conduct of the election will be arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law.”
The command listed political thuggery, violence, voter intimidation, vote buying, ballot snatching, possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons, destruction of electoral materials and attempts to disrupt the election among offences that would attract police action.
Erale assured the electorate that the command would provide “the necessary security for them to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.”
He urged residents, candidates and political supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and cooperate with police personnel throughout the exercise.
The CP also stressed that “the command remains neutral in the electoral process” and would enforce the law against anyone, irrespective of “status or affiliation,” who attempts to disturb the peace.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has announced a restriction of movement in Udu from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the measure was aimed at “ensuring a safe, peaceful and orderly electoral environment, as well as protecting voters and sensitive election materials.”
He urged Udu residents and members of the public to comply with the restriction throughout the election period.
Aniagwu, however, said essential workers and authorised election personnel were exempted from the restriction. The exemption also covers accredited observers, media personnel, security operatives, emergency responders and essential service providers.
INEC has scheduled voting at designated polling units from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.
