Police Boss Promises Peaceful Rescheduled Polls In Bayelsa

By Chris Nomjov

The Nigerian Police has promised a peaceful proceedings at Saturday’s rescheduled elections in some parts of Bayelsa state.

In a statement signed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, indigenes of Bayelsa and beyond that were assured that adequate security logistics and manpower have been strategically deployed to achieve a conducive atmosphere in the state.

This is part of efforts to ensure adequate security for the forthcoming re-run gubernatorial elections that will take place in seven out of the eight Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State.

The election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 9 2016.

The statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the Force Headquarters, ACP Olabisi Kolawole, also reads that:

“the Police have commenced extensive security operations in the State, including the deployment of plain-clothes detectives and surveillance helicopters for aerial patrols, while gunboats and speed boats will complement the Police Marine Unit to convey security personnel and election materials to riverine communities.

“Armed personnel from Police Mobile Force, Special Protection Unit, as well as Counter Terrorism Unit of the Force are on ground to support the ongoing security operations in the State.”

The force also maintained that the IGP has deployed a Deputy Inspector-General of Police to supervise security arrangements. He will be assisted by one Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and three Commissioners of Police (CPs).

The police also disclosed that over 5000 conventional policemen have been deployed for the election.

In a related development, the IGP has also placed an order banning movement in and out of the LGAs where elections will hold with effect from 6AM to 6PM on the election day.

This restriction exempts persons on essential duties such as ambulance service providers, INEC officials on-duty, security men, accredited election monitors/observers, accredited journalists, etc are not affected by the order.

Stating the necessity of the restriction, the IGP expressed his regrets over the inconveniences that road users and the general public may suffer as a result of this restriction, candidates called for the understanding and cooperation of the entire citizenry.