Lagos council election peaceful, no negative reports – Police

By Paul Dada

The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has commended the peaceful nature of the Saturday’s local government elections in the state.

Speaking during an interview at a polling booth in Ikorodu, Jimoh said that there have been no negative security complaints received so far.

The police boss had embarked on a confidence building patrol across the state, visiting various polling units to assess the security situation and hear from voters. The patrol covered several areas, including Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Surulere, Amuwo Odofin, Ikorodu, and Ifako Ijaiye.

He said that the police had a comprehensive deployment plan in place, with sufficient personnel stationed at polling units and collation centres.  He added that 16 gunboats have been deployed to riverine areas to maintain peace and order.

The  Lagos police boss emphasised that the command was prepared for post-election security, with adequate arrangements in place to prevent disruptions.

He said, “So far, so good. The process is very good. There has not been any disturbance of the peace anywhere. We want to encourage voters that there is still time for them to come out and cast their votes.”

Jimoh also said, “For collation, we have already deployed massively. Police personnel are present at all collation centers across the 57 local government areas. We are fully on ground to maintain peace during both the collation and the announcement of results,” he added.

Adding, he said “We know that after results are announced, there will be jubilation and, possibly, agitation. But we will not allow anyone to blackmail the process or disturb public peace in any part of the state. We are good to go.”