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Ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday warned politicians and their supporters in the two states to conduct themselves properly, play by the rules and steer-clear of tendencies capable of undermining the electoral process in the states.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba.
The governorship elections are scheduled to hold on September 19 and October 10 in Edo and Ondo States respectively.
According to the statement, 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 on August 25.
It explained that “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.”
Mba disclosed that following the development, Adamu has ordered the Commissioners of Police in the two States to rejig their preparations for the elections to accommodate and address the threats and emerging trends as contained in the security report.
The IGP assured that the Force leadership was evolving customized security architecture to protect the people and ensure hitch-free elections.
He, however, warned politicians and their supporters in the two states that the Force would 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 statement added that the IGP also assured Nigerians, particularly the people of Edo and Ondo States that the Force remained committed to protecting the sanctity of the ballot in the country.
He reiterated that the police would be neutral, apolitical and would work assiduously with all stakeholders in ensuring a level playing ground for all in the elections.