To ensure public safety, the police command has directed all formations and divisions to implement visible policing and show-of-force tactics across the state.
The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has issued a high alert to all operatives ahead of the Supreme Court's judgment on the 2023 Kogi State Governorship election, scheduled for August 16, 2024.
The command is concerned about potential unrest due to the outcome of the judgment, which involves Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Alhaji Muhammed Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
To ensure public safety, the police command has directed all formations and divisions to implement visible policing and show-of-force tactics across the state.
This contained in a internal memo dated 12th August 2024, with Ref: CJ:3910/KGS/DOPS/VOL.14/129, titled, "Operation Order No.ID/2024 delivery of Supreme Court Judgement of 2023 Kogi State Governorship Election on Friday 16th August, 2024."
The memo, which SaharaReporters obtained on Tuesday, partly read: "The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Friday 16th August, 2024, at Abuja deliver it's Judgment in the case between the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was elected on the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC), against the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Kogi State Gubernatorial candidate Alhaji Muhammed Murtala Ajaka, and other Governorship Candidates and their Political Parties.
"It is pertinent to recall that, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo had earlier won the case at the Election Petition Tribunal where he was declared as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State at the November 11, 2023 polls.
"The victory was also affirmed by the Court of Appeal. Remarkably the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment is a source for concern in the security arena of the State, as political gladiators and their supporters may turn the celebration of victory or loss into an avenue to cause chaos that could give rise to grave animosity against whichever side the Judgment might favour or fail.
"Such might result in serious disturbance of Public Peace. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure there is no breakdown of Law and Order."
According to the memo, the role of the Police will be: "Protection of lives and properties; Deployment of personnel to strategic points; Placing all personnel on red alert and ensure visibility policing through show-off force;
"Ensuring effective patrol of the highways and points/areas susceptible to political violence across the State;
"Providing adequate contingency plan to curtail any security problem that may arise before, during and after the delivery of judgment."
The memo listed how manpower for the operation would be drawn from the various units of the Command.