Police, others partner with INEC for Bayelsa gov poll

The police, Operation Pulo Shield and other security operatives have promised to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure a credible governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The new Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Nasiru Oki, gave the indication on Friday while briefing journalists shortly after the 33rd Security Council meeting presided over by Governor Seriake Dickson in Government House, Yenagoa.

Oki, who said officers and men of the police were adequately prepared for the election, noted that the Inspector-General of Police had assured them of the provision of adequate personnel and logistics to ensure a hitch-free governorship election slated for December 5.

He also explained that in line with the policy thrust of the IG, the command would mobilise members of the public to participate in community policing in order to secure their areas.

Oki said, “One of the policy thrust of the IGP is the participation of the community people in the securing their areas. So, we are going to mobilise members of the public to participate in community policing.

“The strategy is already on the ground. We have already done our operational orders as regards who should do what, when to do what and we will work with the officials of INEC. ”

The Commander, Operation Pulo Shield in the Niger Delta, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, also said the meeting deliberated on the emerging threat to lives and property.

He said they had identified areas where they needed to beef up security to make the state safe before, during and after the election.

Earlier, Dickson said his administration would work closely with the security agencies towards maintaining law and order.

He stressed that acts capable of undermining the security and sovereignty of the state and the country would not be tolerated.

Dickson, who also condemned recent protests by youths in some parts of the country, urged other ethnic nationalities residing in Bayelsa to remain law-abiding and conduct themselves peacefully, particularly during the approaching governorship election.

Punch