The Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has re-affirmed the commitment of the Police to ensure that the elections across the country are hitch-free.
He gave this assurance following intelligence reports that some politicians have recruited thugs with a bid to disrupt Saturday’s governorship elections.
Abba therefore warned that “stern measures have also been mapped out to stop trouble makers in their tracks, as acts of impunity will not be tolerated.
“The Police High Command has further identified flash points in some geopolitical zones and has devised strategies to address all issues of safety and security as concerns the election,” the IGP said statement by the Force Headquarters.
“Furthermore, the IGP states that the Force will continue to encourage a level playing ground to all. He advised Nigerians to vote and maintain tranquility for the smooth running of the elections.
“He equally advised party leaders to implore their supporters to shun any act of violence/thuggery, as the full weight of the law will rest on trouble makers.”
Officers and men of the Police Force have also been tasked to exercise a high sense of professionalism in their conduct on election duties as laid down in the Police Regulations and the Standard Operational Guidelines.
“The officers and men are equally directed to adopt an attitude of complete neutrality, and impartiality in carrying out their duties in connection with the election.”
He directed that all officers involved in election duties must be firm, fair and approachable to all parties. He also enjoined them “to take charge of security at polling units and collation centres as the Police Force is the leading law enforcement agency.”
