By Lucky Barth, Abuja, Nigeria.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Muhammed Adamu, has warned politicians and their supporters in Edo and Ondo States, where gubernatorial elections are scheduled to hold on 19th September, 2020 and 10th October, 2020 respectively, to conduct themselves properly, play by the rules and steer-clear of tendencies capable of undermining the electoral process in the two States.
A statement by the Force PRO, DCP Frank Mba in Abuja, said the IGP gave the warning having reviewed the Election Security Threat Assessment Reports submitted by the Commissioners of Police from both States in a meeting held on Tuesday, 25th August, 2020.
According to the statement, “The Election Security Threat Analysis reveals amongst other indicators: arming and movement of political thugs, use of inciting statements during political campaigns, high likelihood of violence and possible cross attack by political opponents, misinformation/disinformation aimed at heating-up of the polity and deliberate efforts at delegitimizing government institutions involved in the electoral processes.”
It noted that the IGP has therefore ordered the Commissioners of Police in the two States – Edo and Ondo – to rejig their preparations for the elections to accommodate and address the threats and emerging trends as contained in the security report.
The Force leadership, according to the statement, is evolving customized security architecture to protect the people and ensure hitch-free elections.
The IGP, however, warns politicians and their supporters in Edo and Ondo that the Force will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on anyone or group, irrespective of status that may want to sabotage the security arrangement being emplaced for the elections.
Meanwhile, the IGP has assured Nigerians, particularly the people of Edo and Ondo States, that the Force remains committed to protecting the sanctity of the ballot in the country.
He reiterated that the Police would be neutral, apolitical and will work assiduously with all stakeholders in ensuring a level playing ground for all in the elections.
