Jonathan Arrives Otuoke Amidst Tight Security

There was tight security in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa State on Friday as President Goodluck Jonathan arrived his hometown.

The president will cast his vote at a polling unit near his country home.

Prior to his arrival, two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were seen on the Otuoke Road, one in front of the president’s house.

The other was parked in front of Magels Resort, a hotel close to UBA, the only bank in Otuoke.
Earlier, a helicopter was seen hovering around the town, apparently on security surveillance.
Soldiers and policemen were also seen on the main road, as well as plain-clothes officers who guarded the president’s house.

There were sign posts directing motorists to “keep moving,” while police officers shouted at drivers of vehicles which stopped within the vicinity of the president’s home to leave.

The president arrived by 3pm in company of Governor Seriake Dickson and other aides.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned its operatives taking bribes from politicians while providing security at polling units.
The State Commandant Mr. Desmond Agu said any personnel found to have been compromised during the general elections would be prosecuted.
Addressing the men, he said: “Do not compromise. Do not allow politicians to use you to manipulate the process.

“Also, do not allow any other security agencies or your colleagues to influence you to collect bribes. Let me assure you that your allowances have been paid.

“We urge you to go out there and conduct yourselves as a security agency with integrity and professionalism.

“Let me reiterate here that the Commandant General of the corps, Mr. Ade Abolurin, has warned that no civil defenders should compromise. Your duties are to protect lives, staff of Independent Electoral Commission, ad hoc staff and citizens. Any compromise will be severely punished.”
He also advised the personnel to work in collaboration with other security agencies.
Also, the state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has advised residents and youths to stay away from banned narcotics during the exercise.

In a statement on Friday, it said the advice was to ensure that the elections were not marred by violence arising from drug-induced violence.
“Officers and men of the command have been deployed and are fully on ground to ensure that such activities are reduced to the barest minimum by arresting anybody found involved in this deviant behaviour.

“Parents and guardians are hereby advised to closely supervise the activities of their children and wards in order not to fall foul of the law and victims of the negative consequences of illegal drug trade and abuse,” the agency said.

12:27