The Nigerian Navy has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding the waterways to ensure sensitive election materials reach their destinations securely, for the November 16, governorship election in Ondo state.
Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ondo state, Captain Aliyu Usman, made this commitment to foster a secure maritime environment, allowing citizens in riverine areas to exercise their voting rights without intimidation.
He emphasised the Navy’s strengthened security measures to ensure a secure environment before, during and after the election.
“As a security agency, our duty is to increase patrols across the waterways, particularly covering the riverine communities and adjoining boundaries,” he affirmed.
Preparations
preparation for the election, the Navy has strategically deployed gunboats and vital logistical support to safeguard maritime routes, facilitating the secure transportation of INEC staff and election materials to polling centers in riverine areas.
Captain Usman reassured the public that every effort was in place to keep the waterways safe, for the transport of the sensitive materials, a crucial measure in ensuring the credibility of the electoral process in remote areas.
He stated that the Navy has been monitoring Ondo’s maritime borders to prevent any external disruptions.
He noted that criminal elements attempting to undermine the electoral process would be met with swift action, as the Navy coordinates closely with the Nigeria Police to secure voting centers.
The Navy’s role in providing external security along these waterways will complement police efforts to uphold law and order within polling areas, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Electoral Act of 2023.
“The waterways would remain safe and secure throughout the period before, during, and after the election. We have assured the security of sensitive election materials and INEC staff as they transit through the waters to various voting centres within the riverine communities of the state,” he said.
Although the Navy observed that the maritime environment in Ondo State has been relatively calm, the Commanding Officer warned troublemakers to steer clear of the waters, especially during the election.
“We can assure that the maritime borders of Ondo State with its neighbours are being actively monitored and will be effectively manned to ensure that criminal elements are not imported into the state with the aim of causing mayhem or sabotaging the process” he added.
Confidence Okwuchi
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