From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi state, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has guaranteed the safety of the electorate and peaceful atmosphere to exercise their franchise.
The Inspector General of Police who was represented by the Kogi Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, gave the assurance while speaking at the Governorship Election Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Lokoja, the state capital on Tuesday.
Egbetokun said that voters have no cause to fear in coming out in their large numbers to cast their votes for candidate of their choice as police has put necessary machineries to provide security of lives and property before, during and after the election.
The Inspector General of Police pleaded with the governorship candidates, political parties and their supporters to play the game by the rules as anyone found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“We are not here to work in favour of any political party or candidate. Politicians should allow police to perform their constitutional duties
“I feel bad to note that some political actors and gladiators don’t want to play the game by the rules and we will not hesitate to deal with those who have no respect for the rule of law
“Politicians should remember that life goes after election hence the need for them to behave as responsible citizens and avoid hate speech that could ignite violence and intimidation
“We are going to give INEC all the necessary support to conduct free, fair and credible election” the Inspector General assured.
He also charged traditional rulers in the state to talk to their subjects to embrace peace in the interest of the state and the nation at large.
On his part, the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu said that the commission is ready for the conduct of Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi.
Professor Mahmood who was represented by the National Commissioner in-charge of Kogi, Kwara and Niger, Professor Sani Mohammed Adam disclosed that all sensitive and non-sensitive materials are already on ground for the conduct of the election
He gave an assurance that the commission will not let Nigeria down as President Tinubu had given us mandate to conduct free, fair and credible election.
Present at the meeting include, representative of candidates of political parties, party chairmen, civil society organisations and the Media