2019: IGP warns against illegal arms possession, violence
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has warned politicians and their supporters against illegal arms possession and violence.
Speaking in Akure at a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Ondo State Police Command, the IGP said he had ordered all police commissioners and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections.
Represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Mr Agboola Oshodi Glover, the IGP directed the implementation of elaborate security arrangement and measures to ensure adequate security and safety for the electioneering campaigns and rallies throughout the country.
He said the Police Force was ready to arrest and prosecute any party members or supporters in possession of firearms or dangerous weapons during political campaigns and rallies.
He charged politicians to be law abiding and obey INEC guidelines.
Also in Ibadan, Oyo State, the IGP yesterday warned all political parties to prevail on their flag bearers, members, supporters and fans not to engage in any act or conduct that could incite violence or disturbance of public peace anywhere in the country during the campaign and beyond.
He urged the Commissioners of Police in the 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory including their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the 12 zonal commands to protect and safeguard all venues of campaigns, rallies and other approved electioneering activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission throughout the country.
He spoke at the Oyo State Police Command in Ibadan during an interactive session on the security arrangement for campaigns and rallies put in place for political parties towards 2019 elections.
Represented by DIG Agboola Oshodi-Glover, the IGP said the Force had assessed and accordingly deployed personnel to flash points and vulnerable areas to prevent any form of inter-party frictions, thuggery and clashes that could lead to disturbance of public peace across the country.