The Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has again warned against any form of violence during the forthcoming polls.
He stated that whoever attempts to disrupt the election would be arrested and prosecuted, noting that the police are still receiving some of the logistics that would be needed for the elections, and would make “judicious use of the available supplies” at their disposal.
Abba gave the warning in Abuja on Wednesday, shortly before a closed door meeting with senior police officers on strategies to provide adequate security for the March 28 and April 11 elections.
The 12 Zonal AIGs and Commissioners of Police in charge of the 36 state commands and the FCT attended the meeting.
Abba said the purpose of the meeting was to perfect the strategies the Force had already put in place to prevent disruption of the election in whatever form.
The IG gave the assurance that the police would remain impartial, non-partisan, and provide a level playing ground for all stakeholders throughout the period.
He said, “Anyone who tries or attempts to disrupt the national elections will be arrested and prosecuted. This attempt can be outside the polling units, around the polling units, around the collation centres and can even be after the declaration of results.
“Whoever wants to take laws into his/her hands should have a re-think. The police and other security agencies are together in this regard.”
According to Abba, intimidating any member of the public or soliciting for votes within the radius of the polling unit would not be tolerated by the police.
“If you try to intimidate anyone, it is an offence, if you solicit for vote, it is an offence, if you carry any weapon, it is an offence. The offences are so many,” he said.
On threat by some policemen to embark on strike during the election, Abba warned those inciting the officers to have a rethink as there is dire consequences for such acts.
Abba explained that as of the time he took over the mantle of leadership of the force, 30 months promotion arrears had not been paid.
“The officers were wearing the ranks but were on their old salary. I did all my best, went to the relevant ministries, talk to government and succeeded in getting the officers being paid on their new ranks.
“By the 1st of January (2015), officers started drawing benefits of their promotions. I think that is a big progress. In February, I began to hear rumours.
“I do not need to quote who started it. They know themselves that arrears should be paid but you do not get everything you want overnight,” he said.(Punch)
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