Enugu North Bye-Election: CP Reiterates Ban on Armed Escorts at Polling Units

CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command. (File Photo)

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has reiterated the ban on armed escorts and unauthorised armed security personnel in and around polling units ahead of the Enugu North Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for Saturday.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the commissioner said only police personnel and other security operatives officially deployed for election duties would be allowed within polling environments and other restricted areas during the exercise.

According to him, armed security personnel assigned for election duties would provide outer-cordon security, conduct patrols and respond to security incidents where necessary.

CP Giwa also restated the restriction of human and vehicular movement from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day across the six local government areas of Igbo-Etiti, Igbo Eze North, Igbo Eze South, Nsukka, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani, which make up the Enugu North Senatorial District.

He explained that the restriction would not apply to electoral officials, accredited observers, journalists and other persons on verifiable essential duties.

The police commissioner cautioned political parties, candidates, supporters, voters and residents against any act capable of disrupting the peaceful conduct of the election.

“Only Police personnel and other security operatives officially deployed for election duties are permitted at polling units. Armed operatives specifically assigned for election security will provide outer-cordon security, conduct patrols, and respond to security incidents as may be necessary,” he said.

CP Giwa warned that violators of the electoral guidelines and security directives would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He further urged residents and all election stakeholders to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to promptly report suspicious persons, activities and electoral breaches to the nearest police station or other security agencies.

The Enugu North Senatorial bye-election is being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the vacant Senate seat for the district.