The Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris on Tuesday, caution politicians to abstain from engaging supporters in thuggery, intimidation and any form of violent activities when campaigning.
Force Public Relations Officer; Mr Jimoh Moshood noted that a directive was given to all Commissioners of Police in the Commands, Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police to arrest, detain and prosecutes any person with the possession of illegal firearms at the political rallies and campaigns.
He said “The Commissioners of Police in the Commands and Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police throughout the country are under strict instructions of the Inspector General of Police not to tolerate any form of political thuggery, intimidation, demonstration of violent conducts and over dramatization of political fans that can precipitate political clashes and jeopardize prevailing peace in their Commands from any Political Party or Politician(s).
“Commissioners of Police are to effect arrest and immediately prosecute any party member or supporters in possession of firearms or dangerous weapons during political campaigns and rallies in their respective states.’’
He added that a robust security measures and arrangements has taken place to ensure the safety of Nigerians when conducting their campaigns and rallies throughout the country.
“Forces role is smooth implementation of security for the 2019 elections not to be partisan.” He said.
He added “the forces will not condone hate speeches, indecent and criminal defamatory conducts from any individual or group that could cause threat to public peace and safety anywhere in the country during campaigns and beyond.”
