By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, has vowed that security agencies are fully prepared to secure the Dekina-Okura State Constituency by-election this Saturday, in what is being seen as a key test of the state’s political stability and security coordination.
Speaking in Lokoja on Tuesday during an interactive session with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dantawaye announced that a comprehensive Operation Order had been drawn up and forwarded to Force Headquarters, signaling that “every officer knows exactly where he will be and what he will do” on election day.
“We are 100 per cent ready,” the CP declared. “We are working in full synergy with the DSS, Brigade Commander, Customs, Immigration, Correctional Service, Civil Defence — we are one body in this election.”
The by-election, triggered by the death of Rt Hon. Enema Paul, the constituency’s late representative and former Deputy Speaker of the Kogi House of Assembly, is expected to draw significant political attention. With control of the seat at stake, security officials are under pressure to ensure a peaceful and credible process.
Dantawaye stressed that the command’s readiness extends beyond polling units to the safety of road travelers, voters, and politicians moving through the constituency on election day. He urged members of the public and journalists to share timely intelligence on any suspicious activity.
Political analysts say the Dekina-II contest will be a litmus test for Governor Usman Ododo’s ability to manage politically sensitive polls, especially in a region known for competitive contests and high voter turnout.