Date: 2015-04-09

The Kwara State Governor,  Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has assured the people of the state of their security before, during and after next Saturday's gubernatorial and  assembly elections in the state.

In a statement issued after the State Security Council Meeting in Ilorin today, Governor Ahmed said the council reviewed the security situation during the last elections and commended the security agencies in the state for ensuring peaceful conduct of the polls.

He said the security council received assurances from the Commissioner Of Police and the heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Security and Civil Defence present at the meeting that adequate arrangements have been made to provide security cover for the elections. 

Alhaji Ahmed said additional security personnel have been drafted from neighboring states where elections will not hold to complement the 9000 officers and men already on ground in the state. 

He said the ban on uniformed security officers accompanying individuals to polling booths on election day is still in force, adding any security personnel who violates the directive should be arrested immediately. 

Governor Ahmed emphasised that the restriction of movement between 8-5pm on election day remains in place and urged the people to comply with the directive. In addition, he advised eligible voters  to vote peacefully on election day and await the collation and announcement of results at the polling booths before returning home.

Governor Ahmed expressed confidence in the capacity of the  Independent  Electoral Commission of Nigeria to ensure the gubernatorial and state assembly elections are credible.