7,194 Security Operatives Deployed As Akwa Ibom Holds LG Polls

The Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) on Saturday conducted the elections into the chairmanship and counsellorship positions in the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.

AKISIEC gave an assurance that arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth poll.

The Chairman of the electoral body, Mr Aniediabasi Ikoiwak, had stated that the commission would deploy new electronic gadgets for more effective operations during the exercise.

Ikoawak said the new devices would enable the commission’s officials to monitor the time of arrival of materials at respective polling units in the state.

The police authorities in the state, on their part, said 7,194 security personnel have been deployed to monitor the elections in all the polling units and wards.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Odiko Macdon, confirmed this in a statement, noting that the deployment included operatives of sister security agencies.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Amiengheme Andrew, assured the residents of adequate security before, during, and after the election.

He, however, warned the people against violating the restriction of movement order which would be effective between 7:00am and 2:00pm.

The police command urged all voters to turn out peacefully and perform their civic responsibility but warned those seeking to cause trouble to stay away from the polling units as no acts of lawlessness would be tolerated.

Eight political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are fielding candidates in contesting the election.

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) which is the main opposition party in the state is not participating in the poll after announcing its withdrawal, citing lack of confidence in AKISIEC.