The Inspector-General of Police,Mr. Mohammed Adamu, warned politicians and their supporters in Edo and Ondo States, where gubernatorial elections are scheduled to hold on September 19, 2020, and October 10, 2020 respectively, to conduct themselves properly, play by the rules and steer-clear of tendencies capable of undermining the electoral process.
The Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Mr. Ffrank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, revealed this in a press statement issued on Abuja on Sunday.
According to Mba, the IGP gave the warning after reviewing the Election Security Threat Assessment Reports submitted by the Commissioners of Police from both states in a meeting held Tuesday, August 25, 2020.
The Election Security Threat Analysis reveals among other indicators: arming and movement of political thugs, use of inciting statements during political campaigns, high likelihood of violence, possible cross attacks by political opponents, misinformation/disinformation aimed at heating-up the polity and deliberate efforts at delegitimising government institutions involved in the electoral processes.
“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,” Mba further revealed.
“He notes that the Force leadership 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 assures 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 reiterates that the Police will be neutral, apolitical and will work assiduously with all stakeholders in ensuring a level playing ground for all in the elections.”