2019 polls : Police declares war on politicians, supporters bearing guns, other weapons at campaign grounds

              • Police

Ayobami Ife 

The Nigeria Police blows hot on Tuesday, vowing to arrest politicians and their supporters found bearing firearms during the electioneering campaigns which began this December. 

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of South West, Oshodi Glober Agboola, who issued the threat at the Headquarters of the Ogun state Police Command, Eleweran during an interactive session with security operatives and stakeholders of the forthcoming general elections.

Agboola said this is sequel to the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris,  to all police formations  and other security agencies to deal decisively with whoever attempt to perpetrate violence before, during and the general elections.

He explained that Idris  has warned  State Commissioners of Police  to steer clear of political partisanship and display professionalism while  providing security in respect of peaceful 2019 general elections.

Agboola said:"The Inspector General of Police has directed the implementation of robust and elaborate security arrangement and let us to ensure adequate security and safety for electioneering campaign and rally through out the 36 states".

"IGP has equally warned all commissioners of Police in all the sates  commands and federal capital territory and other senior officers that have one role or the other to play in the implementation of security arrangement for the 2019 general election not to engage in political partisan or bias but to remain focus and to provide security for all through out the period".

"Parents and guardians not to allow their children be use as political thugs, politics is not do or die, it is an healthy contest such that if you don't win today, you will win tomorrow. so why acting as if election is a war? So, it is on this note we are urging everyone to tread on the path of peace before, during and after 2019 elections."

The DIG described the relationship between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Police as a Siamese twins which cannot be separated.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun state, Ahmed Iliyasu pledged to work in synergy with other security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful 2019  general elections in the state.