The Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has advised policemen attached to politicians not to follow them to polling centres on election days. He warned that any policeman found in company with a politician at polling units, apart from those assigned to ensure security there, would be arrested. Abba’s warning was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, in Abuja on Wednesday. He said:
“Only police personnel specifically assigned for election duties must be seen within and around the election designated places. No armed police escort must be seen escorting politicians to the polling units. Such (erring) policemen would be arrested and made to face stern disciplinary action.”
He commended police personnel and other law enforcement agencies that participated in the policing of the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elections on March 28 for their good conduct. The IG noted that their selflessness and dedication to duty contributed in no small measure to the overall success of the elections. He also commended the high level of comportment, discipline, orderliness, patience and understanding exhibited by the electorate throughout the period.
Abba commended Nigerians for the huge assistance they extended to the police and other law enforcement agencies which made the elections hitch-free. The IG, however, called for a similar level of citizens’ cooperation and support for the security agencies during Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections. He urged all citizens to remain calm, confident, hopeful and trust in the ability of the security agencies to protect them during the exercise.
Abba, in another statement also on Wednesday, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a hitch -free election on Saturday. He therefore warned all those who might want to cause trouble during and after the polls to desist or face unpleasant consequences.
The IG, who explained that measures had been mapped out to stop trouble- makers in their track, said the police had identified flash points in some geopolitical zones. He advised party leaders to implore their supporters to shun any act of violence as the full weight of the law would be applied on offenders.