Police Assure Tight Security Ahead of Ondo Bye-Election
The Ondo State Police Command has assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming bye-election in the state, pledging to deploy personnel across polling units, collation centres and other sensitive locations.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Ondo State, Mutiu Agboke, to the Command Headquarters in Akure.
According to the police boss, the Command has commenced strategic operational planning aimed at ensuring a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process across the affected constituencies.
He explained that security operatives would provide protection for INEC officials, ad-hoc staff, voters, electoral materials and facilities throughout the election period, while intelligence gathering, visibility policing and coordinated patrols would also be intensified to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Lawal urged political actors, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and abide by electoral laws, stressing that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property during the exercise.
Speaking during the visit, Agboke commended the Police Command for its proactive security measures and professionalism, expressing confidence in the existing collaboration between INEC and security agencies in the state.
The REC also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting a transparent, credible and hitch-free bye-election in line with its constitutional mandate.
The police commissioner further appreciated the support of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for efforts geared toward strengthening security and maintaining peaceful elections across the country.
