The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has warned politicians and their supporters in Edo and Ondo States against conducts capable of erupting violence and undermining the electoral process in the two states.
Governorship elections have been scheduled to hold on 19th September, 2020 in Edo state and on the 10th October, 2020 in Ondo.
A statement issued on Sunday, on behalf of the IGP by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba warned the politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves properly, play by the rules and steer-clear of tendencies capable of undermining the electoral process in the two States.
The IGP’s warning is coming after a review of the Election Security Threat Assessment Reports submitted by the Commissioners of Police from both States in a meeting held Tuesday, 25th August, 2020.
The Election Security Threat Analysis revealed 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.
The statement said the IGP has 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 under our watch, is evolving customized security architecture to protect the people and ensure hitch-free elections.
“Politicians and their supporters in Edo and Ondo are hereby warned 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,” the IGP was quoted as saying.
He further 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.
According to him, the Police will be neutral, apolitical and will work assiduously with all stakeholders in ensuring a level playing ground for all in the elections.
