By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Police in Akwa Ibom said it has deployed 2,000 security operatives for Saturday’s rerun Federal and State elections in Ini, Ikono and Ibiono Ibom Local Councils of the state.
It has also assured electorates and residents of the three Local Councils of a safe and peaceful election while ordering a restriction of movements within the affected area.
A statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO, Odiko MacDon Friday in Uyo said the deployment would also include personnel from sister security agencies.
The statement said the officers are expected to provide topnotch security before, during and after the elections in the 54 Polling units and 15 Wards in the 3 Local Government Areas affected by the re-run.
“The Command has put in place adequate security measures for the peaceful conduct of the re-run election.
“For the benefit of doubt, there will be restriction of movement from 7:00am to 2pm on the said day in the affected Local Government Areas. Only INEC Staff, health Workers, Security Agents will be exempted.
“The Command is hereby warning perpetrators of violence to steer clear of election venues or face the full wrath of the law.
“The Commissioner of Police has admonished the good People of the three LGAs involved in the election to come out freely and peacefully to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation and molestation.” It concluded.
The rerun elections would hold for the inculclusive elections in Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency and Ibiono Ibom State Constituency.