Politicians arming, deploying thugs for Edo, Ondo elections — IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the Edo and Ondo States’ Commissioners of Police to rejig preparations ahead of the governorship elections coming up in both states.

The Force spokesman, Frank Mba, in a statement on Sunday, said the order was to accommodate and address the threats and emerging trends as contained in the Election Security Threat Assessment Reports.

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Mba said the IGP gave the order after reviewing the assessment reports submitted by the CPs from both states ahead of the elections slated for September 19 and October 10 respectively.

He said the report had 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.

Mba said other revelations in the report are misinformation/disinformation aimed at heating up the polity and deliberate efforts at delegitimizing government institutions involved in the electoral processes.

He said the I-G had 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.

He said the Force leadership was evolving customized security architecture to protect the people and ensure hitch free elections in the two states.

He said the police would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on anyone or group that would want to sabotage the security arrangement being emplaced for the elections.

Mba pledged the commitment of IG to protect the sanctity of the ballot in the elections.

He said that the police would remain neutral, apolitical and work with all stakeholders in ensuring a level playing ground for all in the elections. (NAN)