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To deploy 35,000 officers, withdraw VIPs security aides withdraw VIPs security aides
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has announced a ban on the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) from participating in the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Egbetokun made this announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin.
The IGP stated that the responsibility for securing voters and election materials will rest solely with the police, supported by other national security agencies.
He emphasised that no private or state-owned security organisation would be permitted to operate during and after the election.
“All local security groups in Edo State should refrain from participating in the election. The activities of the Edo State Security Network are suspended and will remain so,” Egbetokun said.
He revealed that 35,000 police officers would be deployed for the election, with an additional 8,000 personnel from other national security agencies providing support.
He said security aides attached to VIPs would also be withdrawn even as he reeled out the various election offences and warned that anyone caught against them would be treated according to the law.
Egbetokun assured that the police would enforce the Electoral Act and other relevant laws to ensure a peaceful election environment.
The IGP warned against any acts of hooliganism or violence, stating that anyone caught with weapons during the election would face criminal charges.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced that the commission will collect uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) from across the 18 local government areas in in preparation for the election.
Prof. Yakubu explained that these PVCs would be stored in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) until after the election to ensure the will of Edo voters is accurately represented.
He reiterated that Edo State has 2,629,025 registered voters and to promote transparency, INEC has provided soft copies of the voter register to all political parties contesting the election. He added that in the coming days, INEC will also release a detailed breakdown of PVCs collected for each of the 4,519 polling units in the state.
Prof. Yakubu emphasised the collaborative nature of the electoral process, stating that while INEC plays a crucial role, the success of the election depends on the combined efforts of all stakeholders. He highlighted the global interest in the 2024 Edo governorship election, noting that 134 groups (124 domestic and 10 international) have been accredited to deploy 1,836 observers across the state.
He also revealed that parties will sign a Peace Accord on Thursday, encouraging them to honour their commitments and abide by the Accord’s terms for a peaceful election.
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