The Nigerian Police has called for the full co-operation of all stakeholders to ensure peaceful, free and fair federal and state elections on February 16 and March 2, 2019, respectively.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in preparations of Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 16 and Governorship and State Assembly polls on March 2, 2019, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu said “I urge you to cooperate with us to have free, fair and clean elections ”
The IGP, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General, DIG, in charge of North East election monitoring, DIG Usman Tilli, said “I urge you to talk to your supporters, so that we will have free and fair elections. Our traditional rulers, we need you to enlighten your followers against violence during elections, as well as pray for successful elections.
“When you cast your vote go home or sit and wait but no movement, because if we find anybody moving without permission the person will be dealt with according to the law. Right now, I am going to Yobe for a similar mission.,” Tilli stated.
Also speaking, the Borno state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Damian Chukwu said the presence of the DIG, indicated the importance the IGP attaches to free, fair and successful elections.
“For the purpose of hitch free elections, we have deployed 14.000 security operatives among who 11,000 are policemen. We are going to have three police personnel per polling unit,” the CP added.
In his remarks., the Chairman of the governorship Candidates Forum assured that the 52 members of the forum are ready to concede defeat to whoever wins the elections, as Borno has had its share of blood shed, as a result of Boko Haram insurgency, stressing that they cannot afford to have another mayhem.
He said “I urge the security agencies to arrest and deal with anybody found engaging in ballot box snatching and in any form of violence before, during and after the elections.”
In his address, the APC Secretary, Hon Bello Ayuba said they have been asking their members not to engage in any conduct that would not allow violence free elections.