ASHENEWS reports that the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammed Usaini Gumel has read riot act to politicians, and officers of the Nigeria Police, as well as the general public.
This online platform further reports that the warning is coming as the 2023 presidential election holds on February 25, 2023.
Gumel at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with leaders of political parties, which held at the Police Command in Monday, hinted on some prohibited activities on the day of election.
“Please, note that no politician or candidate who has the privilege of having police Orderly is allowed to go to the voting points accompanied by such Orderlies. They must stay away from the voting points while you go to vote,” the CP warned.
According to him, “Security officers and the general public are prohibited from going to polling units with weapons. We will not want any of you to be embarrassed because arrests of political figures at times like this, is normally misconstrued and given political underlining.
“Therefore, do not give us the room to do that. However, if you decide to give us room, we will have to do our job,” he enthused.
CP Gumel preempted plans by some politicians to cause havoc should they lose election and warned that such would be resisted.
“We are aware that some politicians want to cause havoc, especially after results are declared. Make sure you don’t celebrate your victory at the residences of those who lose elections,” Gumel further warned.
He also told the politicians to avoid using the youth to perpetrate chaos.
“Any youth who is used to perpetrate chaos, will be arrested, and if our investigation points at you as his sponsor, you will definitely be arrested and prosecuted too.”
The CP assured that the Police’s presence will be noticed at all the polling units of the state to ensure the respect for law and order.
Also speaking, the state Commander of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yahaya Hassan warned the politicians to avoid “provocative statements that are capable of inciting the general public.
“You should avoid being additional threat to the existing ones. You won’t go scot-free if you break the law. As winners, you should be humble in celebration and if you lose, take it in good faith,” he advised.
The representative of the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Barr. Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa said, “We are in the red zone readiness”, adding that “We need security at all levels.
While commending the security agencies for their efforts so far, Kangiwa advised politicians to ensure they provide the avenue for free, fair and conclusive elections.
