LAGOS APRIL 10TH (URHOBOTODAY)-The Lagos Police Command has deployed no fewer than 36,204 police personnel, 15 armoured personnel carriers, 5 gun boats and 2 helicopters among others security equipments to protect lives and property and create peaceful environment for tomorrow’s governorship and house of assembly elections.
Making the pronouncement in a press statement signed by Lagos State Police Public Relation Offiicer (PPRO) a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr Ken Nwosu made available to URHOBOTODAY, the police said it had also deployed 500 patrol vehicles, 100 buses, 100 motorcycles, 7 trucks, 3 black maria trucks,1 luxury bus and 10 Speed Boats for the exercise.
According to the statement, the Command had also established a Joint Operations and Control Room where Lagosians are expected to report incidences requiring police attention through the following dedicated lines domiciled at the Ops Room: 08079279349, 08127155071 and 08063299264.
“Complaints can still be forwarded to the following: presspollag@yahoo.com, compolbeeops@yahoo.com, twitter @policeNGlagos and on facebook.com/Police PRO Lagos, “ the statement directed.
Quoting section 129 of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended which deals with offences on Election Day, the Police warned that no person shall on the election day do any of the following acts or things in a polling unit or within a distance of 300 metres of the polling unit, “Canvass for votes, solicit for the vote of any voter, persuade any voter not to vote for any particular candidate, persuade any voter not to vote at the election, shout slogans concerning the election, be in possession of any offensive weapon or wear any dress or have any facial or other decoration which in any event is calculated to intimidate voters, eexhibit, wear or tender any notice, symbol, photograph or party card referring to the election.
“Use any vehicle bearing the colour or symbol of a political party by any means whatsoever, loiter without lawful excuse after voting or after being refused to vote, snatch or destroy any election materials; and blare siren, no person shall within the vicinity of a polling unit or collation centre on the day of which an election is held, convene, hold or attend any public meeting during the hours of poll as may be prescribed by the commission, unless appointed under this Act to make Official announcement, operate any megaphone, amplifier or public address apparatus, wear or carry any badge, poster, banner, flag or symbol relating to a political party or to the election.”
The statement affirmed that any person who contravenes any of the provisions of the aforementioned section, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N100, 000 or imprisonment for 6 months for every such offence.
It equally added that any person who snatches or destroys any election material shall be liable on conviction to 24 months imprisonment.