Security agencies may swim with the tide of obsession following the suspension on activities of Edo State Security Network indefinitely on Wednesday by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, ahead of September 21st Edo governorship election.
The announcement by the Nigeria police Chief was greeted with mixed reactions by political actors and their supporters at Stakeholders meeting of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Benin City, ahead of the the signing of the peace pact among political parties and their Candidates on Thursday.
The IGP after reiterating the suspension of the Local security outfit from election Management, vowed to arrest and prosecute trouble makers ahead of the forthcoming poll in accordance with the law.
There are concerns that the order may put the security agencies in the State under stress test ahead of deployment of additional 35,000 police personnel who are yet-to arrive the State for enhanced security agents at unmanned locations in some parts of the State.
The Police boss said, “I hereby direct all Local security apparatus within Edo State to reframe from interfering with election security formation.
“Any individual or group engaging in unauthorized security activities will face immediate arrest and prosecution. In this regard, the activities of Edo State Security Corps , which had been suspended, remain suspended untill further notice”, IGP Egbetokun said.
In addition, the IGP said the withdrawal of security aides attached to very important personalities (VIPs) as part of measures to stem violence ahead of the election.
He also revealed that all entry and exit points in the state would manned while movements would be restricted between 6 am and 6 pm; Just as he urged the political leaders to warn their members against any form of violence.
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