The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) announced on Thursday that it would be sending 1,500 officers to oversee the smooth operation of the Ondo State governorship election, set for November 16, 2024.
This deployment, authorized by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, is part of a wider strategy to collaborate with other security agencies and ensure compliance with vehicle movement restrictions during the election.
In a statement from Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC emphasized the critical need for maintaining order throughout the election process.
The personnel will be supported by 25 patrol vehicles, seven tow trucks, and six ambulances, all positioned to manage traffic, clear road blockages, and handle emergencies.
The Corps Marshal encouraged the officers assigned to demonstrate the utmost professionalism and honor the rights of every voter.
He cautioned against any behavior that could violate democratic rights, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a peaceful and well-organized election.
As election preparations progress, the FRSC has urged voters to adhere to the vehicle movement restrictions and work together with officials to ensure a smooth and impartial electoral process.
The statement read, “As part of efforts put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the forthcoming Ondo State Gubernatorial election scheduled by the electoral umpire to hold on 16 November 2024, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has approved the deployment of 1,500 operatives, and ordered them to collaborate with other security agencies to enforce compliance on restrictions of vehicular movement.
“The directive issued by the Corps Marshal also mandated the Personnel to clear obstructions from the roads, carry out rescue operations in case of emergencies, and maintain orderliness in polling booths.
“In the same vein, adequate mobilisation has also been made for operational tools, including deployment of 25 patrol vehicles, seven tow trucks, as well as six ambulances to strengthen enforcement of restrictions during the entire process of the election.
“He warned the personnel deployed to play an active role in the democratic exercise. While emphasising the need to exhibit the highest sense of professionalism, the Corps Marshal also admonished them to avoid any act that could lead to abuse of the rights of electorates.”
