By Oluwagbemiga Toye
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ekiti State Command, has concluded arrangements to deploy about 2,000 personnel across the state to manage traffic and ensure safety during Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election.
The deployment, scheduled for the June 20 election, is in compliance with the directive of the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, and is aimed at supporting a safe, orderly and credible electoral process throughout the state.
Speaking on the operational plan, the Ekiti State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Sanya Adeoye, said the personnel would be engaged in fleet inspection and certification of vehicles designated for election logistics, joint security operations at polling units, and enforcement of the restriction of vehicular movement on election day.
According to Adeoye, more than 600 vehicles belonging to transport unions and fleet operators assigned for election duties will undergo inspection to ascertain their roadworthiness.
He explained that the exercise would focus on critical safety components such as brakes, tyres, lighting systems, fire extinguishers and drivers’ documentation to prevent accidents and vehicle breakdowns during the election.
The sector commander also disclosed that FRSC personnel would work alongside other security agencies at polling units and strategic locations across the state. He said the officers would assist in crowds and traffic control, facilitate access for election officials and materials, and ensure the safety of voters, observers and other stakeholders participating in the electoral process.
On the restriction of movement, Adeoye said the command would support the enforcement of the order across Ekiti State, noting that only vehicles on election duty, accredited observers, emergency responders and providers of essential services would be permitted to move during the restricted period.
He explained that FRSC operatives would be stationed at major entry and exit points, inter-city highways and key intra-city routes to ensure compliance with the directive and maintain smooth traffic management throughout the exercise.
Describing election duty as a sensitive national assignment, Adeoye said officers and men of the command had been adequately briefed to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline and neutrality. He added that the command had mobilised personnel, patrol vehicles and other operational equipment and reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while contributing to a peaceful and successful governorship election.
