Ahead of the inauguration of 18 new governors-elect, security agencies have tightened security across the states in order to ensure a hitch-free handover ceremony.
In Abia State, the outgoing governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, will hand over power to Labour Party’s Alex Otti, while in Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel will hand over to Umo Eno. And in Benue State, Samuel Ortom will leave the seat of power for Hyacinth Alia.
While Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers will hand over power to Siminalayi Fubara, his counterpart from Cross River State, Ben Ayade, will hand over to Bassey Otu.
In Delta State, power will change hands from Ifeanyi Okowa to Sheriff Oborevwori; even as the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, will hand over to Francis Nwifuru.
In Enugu State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will hand over to Peter Mbah.
Also, Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State will relinquish power to Umar Namadi, while Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State will hand over to Uba Sani.
Also, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State will hand over to Abba Kabir, while Aminu Masari of Katsina will be succeeded by Dikko Radda.
In Kebbi State, Abubakar Bagudu will hand over to Nasiru Idris, even as Abubakar Bello of Niger State will relinquish power to Mohammed Bago.
Also, Govermor Simon Lalong of Plateau State will hand over power to Caleb Mutfwang, while Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State will hand over to Ahmed Aliyu.
Governor Dickson Ishaku of Taraba will hand over to Kefas Agbu, while Bello Matawalle of Zamfara will transfer power to Dauda Lawal.
Meanwhile, in Oyo State, the police command has warned against the possession of unauthorised firearms during the inauguration of Governor Seyi Makinde for his second term.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, the command said only accredited security agents would be allowed to carry weapons at the Liberty Stadium, the venue of the inauguration, warning that defaulters risk heavy sanctions and prosecution, no matter how highly placed in the society.
In Bauchi State, the police command assured the people of the state that it had fortified the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, the venue of the inauguration of Governor Bala Mohammed for a second term of office. It promised that no stone would be left unturned in providing adequate security for a smooth process.
The Command’s PRO, Ahmed Wakil, in a statement also said it (command) was fully prepared to deal with aggrieved individuals or groups who might want to cause any form of crisis or chaos before, during or after the swearing-in ceremony in any part of the state.
In Rivers State, the Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Emeka, ordered security to be beefed up in parts of Port Harcourt and its environs, according to a statement issued on Saturday.
The statement was signed by the police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko.
She said the order was to ward off any security breaches for the swearing-in of the governor-elect, Fubara, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.
In Delta State, the CP, Wale Abass, assured residents of a hitch-free inauguration ceremony.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the state Police PRO, Bright Edafe, said the CP had ordered “massive deployment” of personnel across the state and venue of the inauguration, Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba, to provide adequate security before, during and after the event.
In Kwara State, the Commissioner of Police, Paul Odama, ordered an all-round security emplacement across the length and breadth of the state for a rancour-free inauguration of the second term of Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and his deputy, Kayode Alabi.
Similarly, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Okoro Julius, warned any group of people and individuals with ulterior motives to stay away from the venue of the inauguration and the entire state.
In a statement signed by the PPRO, Catherine Anene, on Saturday, the CP directed all area commanders, tactical commanders and DPOs in the command to ensure adequate security in their areas of responsibility.
“In his directives, the CP emphasised that the venue for the inauguration should be heavily secured with adequate man power and relevant equipment to ensure serenity and orderliness. All police officers have been warned to be very professional and civil in carrying out their duties,” the statement read in part.
Earlier on Friday, security operatives in Katsina State were on patrol on major streets in the state capital as part of preparations for the inauguration of the Governor-elect, Dikko Radda.
