The police have warned individuals without assigned legitimate duties to steer clear of the Edo State governorship election monitoring process.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of security for the poll, Frank Mba, gave the warning at a news conference on Thursday.
Mba, who spoke in Benin, said the individuals included those claiming to be media practitioners, election observers, vigilantes, and members of private security organisations.
He said only accredited personnel would be allowed to participate in the election monitoring process.
The DIG said that anyone found infringing on this directive would be held accountable and arrested, if necessary.
He reassured voters in Saturday’s election of unmatched security during and after the poll, warning troublemakers to also steer clear of the exercise.
Mba added: “We want to reassure the people of Edo State that we will provide a violent-free election, a level playing field for all.
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“We will hold people accountable who will infringe on the law.
“We are not the ones conducting the election per se, our duty is to ensure a peaceful and violent free exercise.
“We will make arrests where necessary.”
The DIG said that the police had perfected a top synergy with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and other sister agencies to ensure a violent free election.
The senior police officer also prohibited the use of sirens and political party emblems, weapons-like walking sticks, umbrellas and any object that could be easily converted to weapons.
Mba advised journalists to fact check information that would be circulated during and after the exercise to avoid the promotion of fake news capable of instigating a breakdown of law and order.
The Officer-in-Charge of Edo State election for the police provided 07025000383 as the operational number for the election, but warned the public against prank calls.
So also has the Independent National Electoral Commission has warned political parties and candidates against engaging in electioneering beyond the Thursday midnight deadline.
Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, gave the warning in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Olumekun said that in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, and item 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, all campaigns by political parties end at midnight Thursday.
He said: “It is, therefore, illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions or media campaigns from midnight today.
“These prohibitions, including sanctions, are provided for in Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.”
Olumekun also warned parties, candidates and their supporters not to appear at the polling units in their campaign attire or carry any campaign materials with them on election day.
“We urge parties, candidates and their supporters to take note of the provisions of the law for compliance,” he said.
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