126,000 policemen for Ekiti election (Is it war or election?)

Posted by admin Ekiti, Headlines, INEC Politics, Nigerian Police, State News Thursday, June 19th, 2014

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said 120,000 security operatives have been deployed in Ekiti State for the governorship election holding on Saturday.

In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the Head, Publicity Division, INEC Headquarters, Mr. Nick Dazang said INEC had customised all the ballot boxes and result sheets according to polling units “such that you cannot carry any from one polling unit to the other.”

He said, “We’re deploying more than 8,000 staff, permanent and adhoc, to conduct the election. We are also deploying six national commissioners. We are also deploying another six RECs.

“At least, two policemen will secure each polling unit. The Police will, at least, deploy 126,000 policemen. Their role is to make sure that they patrol and secure the environment.

“There will also be helicopter units reinforcing the patrol on the ground in the air. Even as people go to vote, their properties are secured; nobody is harrassed or molested.”

Dazang noted that the massive deployment of security agents was not to harrass the electorate but to secure the process.

He, however, added that the security operatives to be deployed had been instructed to “be firm in their job but be polite to the citizens.”

The INEC publicist said the staff undergone an additional day of training because of the peculiar nature of the Ekiti election.

“In the instance of Ekiti; before we used to do two days, this time we have added another day, making it three days, so that it would enhance their capacity and proficiency,” Dazang added.
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