The Ondo State Police Command and the Independent National Electoral Commission have reaffirmed their commitment to close collaboration ahead of the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for June 20.
The assurance was given on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mutiu Agboke, to the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, at the state police headquarters in Akure.
Speaking during the meeting, Lawal disclosed that the command had intensified operational planning to guarantee adequate security before, during and after the bye-election.
According to him, security personnel would be strategically deployed to polling units, collation centres and other critical locations across the senatorial district to ensure the protection of electoral officials, voters and election materials.
The police commissioner said the command had also strengthened intelligence gathering, patrol activities and visibility policing to forestall any breach of peace during the electoral process.
“The Command is fully prepared to provide security for a peaceful, credible and violence-free election,” Lawal stated.
He further commended the support of Ondo State governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, noting that their leadership had enhanced security coordination within the state.
Lawal also urged political parties, candidates and residents to remain law-abiding and support security agencies with useful information that could aid peaceful conduct of the election.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment, he said every necessary measure would be taken to ensure the electoral process is conducted in a safe, orderly and transparent atmosphere.
In his remarks, Agboke commended the police command for its proactive engagement, professionalism and commitment towards maintaining a peaceful electoral environment.
The REC assured that INEC would continue to work closely with the police and other critical stakeholders to ensure a transparent, credible and hitch-free bye-election in Ondo South Senatorial District.
He added that the commission remained committed to discharging its constitutional responsibilities with fairness, neutrality and integrity.
