The Commissioner of Police in Enugu state, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the massive deployment of personnel and operational resources for peaceful council polls on Sept. 21,

Mr Uzuegbu also ordered restriction of human and vehicular movements in the state between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 21, except for those providing essential services.

Also excluded from the order are media practitioners, election officials and accredited election observers.

A statement issued on Thursday in Enugu by the state’s police public relations officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, quoted Mr Uzuegbu as saying the restriction order also applied to armed security personnel on VIP protection duties.

The CP said that on no account should any security personnel escort VIPs to the polling centres.

According to him, the election’s security management will be jointly executed by all the security agencies in the state.

“The Command is warning that electoral violence of any kind will not be tolerated before, during and beyond the polls.

“The Command is cautioning political parties and their stalwarts to conduct themselves orderly and in line with the election guidelines provided by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC).

“Unrepentant criminal elements that may want to foment trouble during the elections should steer clear, as the security forces are geared up to deal decisively with such criminals.

“Parents and guardians should dissuade their children and wards from being used as thugs to disrupt the elections, as anyone caught will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The commissioner advised the electorate to go out and exercise their franchise in an orderly manner.

“Residents should promptly report any criminal acts or electoral infractions to the nearest police station or security agent.

“They can call the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08032003702; 08098880172; 08086671202 or send emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com,” he said.

ENSIEC had slated the council polls for Sept. 21 across all wards and council areas of the state.

A total of 4,145 security personnel are expected to provide security, while ENSIEC has trained 12,800 ad hoc electoral staff for the election.

(NAN)