The Deputy Inspector-General, DIG, in charge of providing security for the Edo governorship election, Frank Mba has warned those without assigned legitimate duties in the Saturday’s exercise to stay from the polling units across the state.

Mba gave the warning at a news briefing held at the State Police Command headquarters, Benin City, warning those claiming to be journalists, election observers, vigilantes without accreditation, members of private security organisations and hunters to stay far from all polling units across the state.

He reassured voters in the state of water-tight security during and after the poll, saying the police had perfected synergy with the Army, Air Force, DSS, Navy and other sister agencies to ensure a violent-free election.

Mba reassured the people of Edo State that the police will provide a violent-free election, a level playing field for all, saying they will hold people accountable who will infringe on the law.

According to him, they are not the one conducting the election perse, but their duty is to ensure a peaceful and violent free exercise and make arrest where necessary.

The DIG also warned against the use of sirens and political party emblems, objects like walking sticks, umbrellas and any object that can be easily converted to weapons.

He advised journalists to fact-check information before circulating such during and after the exercise to avoid the promotion of instrumentality of fake news that could lead to breakdown of laws and order.

Mba who provided 07025000383 as his operational number for the election, warned the public against making prank calls.

The Deputy Inspector General warned individuals without assigned legitimate duties to steer clear of the Edo governorship election monitoring process.

He said only accredited personnel would be allowed to participate in the election monitoring process.

The DIG said anyone found infringing on this directive would be held accountable and arrested, if necessary.

He reassured voters in Saturday’s election of unmatched security during and after the poll, warning troublemakers to also steer clear of the exercise.

The senior police officer also prohibited use of sirens and political party emblems, weapons-like walking sticks, umbrellas and any object that could be easily converted to weapons.