The Delta State Police Command has banned all non-state actors from playing any role during the local government elections in the state on Saturday.
The non-state actors include vigilantes, anti-cult volunteers, hunters and others.
Delta State Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, who stated this ahead of the elections, vowed to decisively deal with any of them found meddling in the election process.
According to him, non-state actors must steer clear of the polling units and the entire election process.
He said the command has also deployed Marine Police to the waterways and others to the 25 local government areas to ensure hitch-free elections.
Abaniwonda said the command, in synergy with other sister agencies, is prepared to protect all polling units, RACs, collation centres, and offices of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, its officials and the electorate.
He said further: “There would be restrictions on vehicular movement from 8 am to 3 pm on the day. 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. 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.”
While regretting the inconveniences this will cause, members of the public are therefore advised to adhere to the instruction, as anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“It is pertinent to note that the success of this election, to a large extent, lies in how the electorate conduct themselves. Residents should be law-abiding, and rest assured that the command will not compromise in carrying out its primary responsibility of ensuring the protection of life and property as well as the preservation of public tranquillity before, during, and after the elections,” the Commissioner of Police stated.