The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has warned Edo and Ondo politicians and their supporters to avoid any act that is capable of undermining the electoral process.
Elections in the two states are scheduled to hold on September 19 and October 10, 2020, respectively.
According to a statement by the Force Spokesman, Frank Mba, the IGP gave the warning having reviewed the Election Security Threat Assessment Reports submitted by the Commissioners of Police from both States in a meeting, recently.
“The Election Security Threat Analysis reveals 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 of the polity and deliberate efforts at delegitimizing government institutions involved in the electoral processes,” the statement noted.
The IGP, has therefore, 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, warned 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.
Meanwhile, the IGP has assured that the Force remains committed to protecting the sanctity of the ballot in the country.
He further assured 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.
