Lagos council polls: Security agencies display readiness

Two days to the Lagos State local council polls, the police and other security agencies on Thursday embarked on a show along Lagos roads to demonstrate their readiness for the election.

A news correspondent who monitored the exercise reports that the police, military personnel, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) participated in the exercise.

More than 30 patrol vehicles blaring siren conveyed the security personnel, attracting many spectators.

The police command’s spokesman, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said that the exercise was meant to sensitise the public to the readiness of security agencies for the July 22 local council elections.

“The show of force is to deter criminals and evil doers from hijacking the electioneering process. To ensure maximum security effect, the command has been sectorised to cover all areas in Lagos State.

“The exercise also includes the military and other security agencies that would participate in the election on Saturday. The Police Area Commanders are to lead in the exercise,’’ Famous-Cole said.

Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission will conduct election into 20 local government councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state on Saturday.

Twelve political parties are fielding candidates that will vie for the 57 chairmanship and 377 councillorship seats in the state.

The parties and their candidates have been campaigning vigorously to woo the electorate for their votes.