Mary Onyia
Barely 24 hours to the election in Ondo state, the federal government through its agency, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has concluded arrangements to beef up security in the state.
In line with this, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has approved the deployment of 1,500 personnel and 25 patrol vehicles for the Nov. 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
In a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Thursday in Abuja, Mohammed said that the move was part of the efforts to enforce restrictions on movement and other electoral laws during the election.
The FRSC boss urged officers and men of the Corps to work with other security agencies to ensure compliance and orderly polls.
He added that the directive also required that the officers ensure restrictions of vehicular movement during the election with mandate clear obstructions from the roads, in addition to carrying out rescue operations in case of emergencies.
“Adequate mobilisation has also been made for personnel and operational tools, including deployment of 25 patrol vehicles, 7 tow trucks, as well as 6 ambulances.
“This is to also strengthen enforcement of restrictions during the entire process of the election,” he said.
Mohammed emphasised the need for the personnel to exhibit professionalism while admonishing them to avoid any act that could lead to the abuse of the rights of the electorate.
The election is scheduled for Saturday, November 16 with 17 political parties to participate in it.
Reports say INEC had already delivered the election materials in Akure, the State capital, and received by officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The materials were conveyed to Akure by the Nigeria Airforce.”
With additional reports from NAN