The police in Kogi State have warned VIPs to resist the temptation of moving into voting areas with their security details as the repercussion may not be palatable in Saturday’s House of Assembly elections.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Kogi State election, CP Yekini Ayoku gave the warning on Thursday during an interactive session with stakeholders and eminent personalities on peace and security towards the 2023 Kogi State House of Assembly election.
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CP Ayoku warned sternly that it will be a grave mistake on the part of anyone to doubt the Nigeria Police and their capacity to strictly enforce the relevant laws guiding the process.
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“Anyone, no matter his/her status that elects to run foul of the law will have us to contend with as lawbreakers will be dealt with without mercy,” he stated.
The Commissioner of Police said the election of February 25, 2023, has not gone without its lessons, adding that, “it is most timely and appropriate to assess, evaluate, re-evaluate and deeply reflect on the experience and lessons drawn, with a view to addressing the issues that came to the fore and work out ways to improve on the process.”
He solicited the support and cooperation of the general public in working with the police and other security agencies to ensure the election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace devoid of rancour and violence.
Continuing, CP Ayoku said, “As leaders, we owe it a duty to educate our people on the imperative of peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election. We all must work and be focused on the urgent need to redefine the Kogi electoral make-up hitherto characterized by violence to a more decent and civilized process”.
According to him, the 18th March 2023 State House of Assembly election in Kogi State should be a litmus test for Kogi State not to be defined by the actions of a few lawless people.
He explained that the Police Command and other security agencies in election security management were determined to remain neutral, apolitical, and professional and will provide a level playing ground for all political parties and actors in the State.
“All the security agencies in the State are working in close synergy and are uncompromising in providing the conducive security environment for the conduct of a free, fair, and hitch-free election by INEC and for voters to exercise their franchise freely,” he added.
