19th September, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), in charge of providing security for the Edo governorship election, Mr. Frank Mba has warned those without assigned legitimate duties in the Saturday’s exercise to stay from the polling units across the state.
Mba gave the warning on Thursday at a press conference held at the State Police Command headquarters, Benin City on Thursday, in Benin City.
Specifically, he warned those claiming to be journalists, election observers, vigilantes without accreditation, members of private security organisations and hunters to stay far from all polling units across the state.
He, however, reassured voters in the state of water-tight security during and after the poll.
Mba stated that the police had perfected synergy with the Army, Air Force, DSS, Navy and other sister agencies to ensure a violent-free election.
“We want to reassure the people of Edo State that we will provide a violent-free election, a level playing field for all. We will hold people accountable who will infringe on the law.
“We are not the one conducting the election perse, our duty is to ensure a peaceful and violent free exercise. We will make arrest where necessary,” he said.
The DIG also warned against the use of sirens and political party emblems, objects like walking sticks, umbrellas and any object that can be easily converted to weapons.
He advised journalists to fact-check information before circulating such during and after the exercise to avoid the promotion of instrumentality of fake news that could lead to breakdown of laws and order.
Mba who provided 07025000383 as his operational number for the election, warned the public against making prank calls.
