Police threaten arrest for polling unit escorts, warns orderlies, guards

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Bayelsa State has issued a prohibition against orderlies and security personnel escorting their employers to polling units.

The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) responsible for overseeing the election in the state, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, delivered this warning on a Thursday in Yenagoa. He emphasized that individuals who disregard this directive will face arrest and subsequent trial within the police orderly room.

Addressing a gathering of stakeholders and senior police officers assigned to the gubernatorial election, Sokari-Pedro conveyed the directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The orders were clear: the police personnel should be wholeheartedly dedicated to ensuring a democratic process that is free, fair, secure, and unimpeded during this off-cycle election.

He went on to explain that the police have identified all three senatorial zones in the state as potentially volatile and have pinpointed specific local government areas as flashpoints. In his words, “Any orderly or security guard accompanying their principal to a polling center will be subject to arrest and subsequent orderly room trial. Failure to comply may even lead to dismissal.”

He assured the audience that the police would provide protection for voters, INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) officials, as well as electoral materials and property throughout the entire process, from voting to counting and collation. Officers would face consequences for any breaches of this duty.

Sokari-Pedro highlighted that the three senatorial zones within the state are known for their political volatility, with several local governments, such as Sagbama, Nembe, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw, and Brass, considered particularly problematic.

He concluded by remarking, “Regrettably, the youth have been identified as key contributors to election-related violence, while the so-called godfathers and principals are the instigators and promoters of this turbulence.”