On Tuesday, November 12th, the Inspector-General of Police
Mohammed Adamu said security operatives on election duty in Kogi State will not
hesitate to gun down any unauthorised person attempting to use firearm in any
part of the state during the ongoing electioneering process.
Adamu gave the warning in Lokoja during a stakeholders’
meeting/signing of Peace Accord among political parties and candidates,
organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The police boss, who spoke after INEC Chairman, Prof.
Mahmood Yakubu, had delivered his address, also warned police men on guard duties
with politicians not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to
perpetrate illegality on election day.
He warned that any policeman caught roaming the street
without proper authorisation would be arrested. Adamu, who said the police was working
with other security agencies, also warned that the police would be on the
lookout for those who would be out on the election day to either buy or sell
votes, warning that vote buying remained a criminal offence.
He, however, assured that the police would be professional
and be ready to provide a level playing ground for all parties and
participants, adding that the police and other security operatives on election
duty would protect all INEC and other election officials, as well as materials
for the exercise, against attacks.
Adamu said: “Security agents are ready for this election. We
pledge to be professional, we pledge to provide a level playing field to all
participating parties. Every polling unit, INEC officials and materials, NYSC
members and all that will be playing one role or the other shall be
secured.
“If you are armed, please report it to the police and
surrender the arm now before it’s too late. If you are intending to use arms,
be warned. If you are lucky, you will be arrested when you are sighted
attempting to use it. If you are unlucky, you will be taken out before you
succeed in using it.”
