The Kogi State Police Command has placed its officers on high alert in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling on the 2023 Kogi State Governorship election, set to be delivered on August 16, 2024.
The command expressed concerns over potential unrest following 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 maintain public safety, the police command has instructed all formations and divisions to employ visible policing and show-of-force measures throughout the state. This directive was outlined in an internal memo dated August 12, 2024, with reference number CJ:3910/KGS/DOPS/VOL.14/129, titled “Operation Order No.ID/2024: Delivery of Supreme Court Judgment on 2023 Kogi State Governorship Election on Friday, August 16, 2024.”
The memo, which SaharaReporters accessed on Tuesday, states that the Supreme Court in Abuja will announce its decision on the case between the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, elected under the APC, and the SDP’s gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Muhammed Murtala Ajaka, as well as other candidates and their respective political parties.
It is noteworthy that Governor Ododo had previously been declared the duly elected Governor of Kogi State by the Election Petition Tribunal following the November 11, 2023 polls, a verdict later upheld by the Court of Appeal. The impending Supreme Court judgment has raised security concerns within the state, as political actors and their supporters could potentially exploit either a victory or defeat to incite unrest, leading to serious disturbances of public peace.
The memo emphasized that all necessary measures must be taken to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The police’s responsibilities, as detailed in the memo, include the protection of lives and properties, deployment of personnel to strategic locations, maintaining all officers on high alert, and ensuring visible policing through a show of force. Additionally, effective patrols are to be conducted along highways and in areas prone to political violence across the state. Adequate contingency plans have also been put in place to address any security challenges that may arise before, during, and after the judgment.
The memo also outlined how manpower for this operation would be allocated from various units within the command.
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