Ahead of the local government elections scheduled for September 21 in Enugu State, Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu has mandated the deployment of police personnel and operational resources to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
To maintain order, the police command has imposed restrictions on human and vehicular movements from midnight to 6 p.m. on election day. Exceptions will be made for those involved in medical and fire services, as well as media practitioners, election officials, and accredited observers.
In a statement issued by the state Police Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, CP Uzuegbu highlighted that armed security agents assigned to VIP protection will not be allowed to escort VIPs to polling stations. He emphasized that the security management of the elections will be a collaborative effort among all security agencies in the state and warned against any form of electoral violence.
The Commissioner urged political parties and their members to adhere strictly to the election guidelines set by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC). He also warned potential troublemakers to stay away, as the security forces are prepared to handle any criminal activities decisively.
Additionally, CP Uzuegbu advised parents and guardians to prevent their children and wards from engaging in election-related violence, warning that those caught will face severe legal consequences.