ENUGU CP ORDERS PERSONNEL DEPLOYMENT, MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS AHEAD OF LG POLLS:

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the deployment of personnel and operational resources to ensure peaceful local government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024. In addition, the CP has enforced a restriction on human and vehicular movements from midnight to 6:00 p.m. on election day, with exemptions for essential service providers, media practitioners, election officials, and accredited observers.

According to a statement issued by DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the state’s police spokesperson, the movement restriction also applies to armed security personnel assigned to VIPs, and no security personnel are permitted to escort VIPs to polling centers.

The Commissioner emphasized that security for the election will be a joint effort among all security agencies in Enugu. He warned against electoral violence, urging political parties and their supporters to adhere to guidelines set by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC). The CP also issued a stern warning to criminal elements intending to disrupt the polls, stating that security forces are prepared to take decisive action.

Uzuegbu encouraged residents to exercise their right to vote peacefully and report any incidents of criminal activity or electoral misconduct to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency hotlines.

The council elections will take place across all wards and local government areas in the state. A total of 4,145 security personnel will be deployed, while ENSIEC has trained 12,800 ad hoc staff to manage the election.