The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Muhammad Adamu, has 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 to conduct themselves properly.
The police chief enjoined both parties to play by the rules and steer-clear of tendencies capable of undermining the electoral process in the two States.
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 Tuesday, August 25, 2020.
According to the force public relations officer, DCP Frank Mba who made the warning known in a statement signed from the police headquarters Abuja.
Mba said 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 the polity and deliberate efforts at delegitimizing government institutions involved in the electoral processes.
He also 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.
He noted 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” Mba added.
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 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.