Bisola David
The Bayelsa State Police Command says it has stationed more than 5,000 police officers and personnel from affiliated security organizations have been deployed for the State’s House of Assembly election.
The Command also reiterates the prohibition against VIPs traveling with escorts and security personnel on election day. According to the Command, the security agencies have been directed to enforce restrictions on movement on land and waterways from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 18, 2023, except those traveling for essential services.
Speaking to the officers deployed for the election, Mr. Mohammed Dankwara, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police in charge of election duty, urged them to perform their jobs with professionalism and to abide by the general guidelines for election duties.
He also urged the electorates to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice in a massive turnout.
The police chief assured Bayelsa State residents, especially voters, of appropriate protection before, during, and after the house of assembly elections in a press conference shortly after deploying security officers to several local government areas in the state.
He denounced any security breach in the state, stating that such rumors are spread to terrorize and confuse people. He also told them that the whole police command, including the tactical and mobile teams, had been sent to the state to conduct the elections.
He stated, “As you can see, we have finished our deployment, everything is moving along smoothly, and we anticipate having free and fair elections at the end of the day.
“The tactical and mobile teams have both been deployed, albeit it may not always be a good idea for me to provide tabulations. We are deploying the entire command.
“There hasn’t been any security breach, but occasionally people raise the bar just to frighten people. You were present when the most recent election was held three weeks ago, and there was no security breach; instead, people are attempting to spread fear.” He said.
