Plateau Rerun: Police Deploy 5,000 Officers, Charges them to be Professional

Plateau Rerun: Police Deploy 5,000 Officers, Charges them to be Professional

POLITICS DIGEST – The Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Plateau State command in collaboration with other security agencies have deployed about 5,000 personnel for the conduct of rerun elections in the state.

The  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have scheduled Saturday 3rd February, 2024, as a date for the conduct of rerun elections in Plateau North senatorial district and Jos North-Bassa Federal Constituency following the Court of Appeal order in Abuja.

Addressing the personnel at the Plateau State Police Command Headquarters Jos on Friday, Commissioner of Police in charge of Plateau State rerun elections, CP Steve Yabanet, said their duty is to fortify INEC and all collation centers before, during and after elections against criminal elements.

“You are all aware that about 26 states are involved in this rerun election and Plateau State is inclusive. I was in the INEC office this afternoon and I interacted with the Commissioner and they assured us that the election is taking place tomorrow.

“They confirmed to us that they are ready. So if INEC is ready we are work ready. Our job is very simple, to provide enabling environment for voters to go there and cast their votes without fear or favour. To protect INEC officials and materials and these two things we must discharge without fear or favour and we must give a safe environment for voters to go there freely and cast their votes. So this is what is going to happen tomorrow.

“The eyes of the whole nation is on Plateau state and we cannot afford to fail, and we shall not fail by the special grace of God. So this thing is very important.”

While warning the personnel against compromise, CP Yabanet revealed the restriction of movement will start by 12:00am tomorrow.

“The local governments that are involved in the rerun elections are Bassa, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom, Jos North, Jos East and Jos South that is for the senatorial election. And for the House of Representatives, the situation is Bassa and Jos North. So take note of that.

“And after the election, all those who have gone to the polling units will come back to work at the collation centre. You escort the result back to the collation centre and remain there until the result is announced. That is where you can beat your chest and say we have done a good job”, he said.