by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Police Command has concluded all arrangements and has deployed 10 personnel from various security forces within the state and are “well prepared” for the forthcoming general polls.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamam Dauda, disclosed this while briefing journalists at Police Command Jos on Friday, on its preparedness for the 2023 general elections.
He warned those elements, whose perception of democracy is the application of violence, to have a rethink as the law enforcement under his watch is committed to dealing firmly with such characters within the dictates of the law.
He also warned all religious leaders meddling in the election processes through their unguarded utterances, to desist from such acts, as the law will not spare them. “No matter their positions, they will be dealt with decisively,” the CP stated.
While the CP also advised those without Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) and have nothing to do with voting, to stay away from the poling units in their own best interests, he equally assured all citizens of Plateau State of the optimal commitment of the Command and other relevant security agencies in the State to ensure peaceful elections in the State.
He recognized the critical role of the media in the election process and specifically encouraged them to prioritize National Security interest above other sentiments and avoid projecting news items that could endanger the State and cause tension that may lead to violence before, during and after the elections.
CP Mamam Dauda charged parents, guardians, traditional/religious leaders, the youths and the general public to employ, monitor and prevail on their children, wards, subjects to be law abiding and resist the urge or temptation to be used to cause disturbance of public peace and violation of law and order during the election periods.
According to him, with the confidence in the level of their preparedness – to provide adequate security to all INEC materials, electoral staff and electorates, they exhort all residents of the State to go out and exercise their franchise without fear of molestation and intimidation of any sort, and to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the election process.
To all political actors, he urged them to be law abiding and ensure that all Electoral Guidelines, as enshrined in the electoral Act 2022, are adhered to, as the law will not be selective but binding on all persons, irrespective of status.
He added that, pertaining to the security of dutiful NYSC corps members, who constitute a significant number of the INEC ad-hoc staff in the State, he assured them that their security is guaranteed.
“As you carry out your election duties, I want you to know that Nigerians have entrusted the credibility of this elections in your hands to an extent, and urge you to do the right thing and leave an impressive legacy that posterity will always remember.
“To our Police officers and men from other Security Agencies, it is expected of us as security agencies to ensure that the security of lives and property, voters and INEC officials are properly protected.”
But the CP warned that, “On no account should any of you be found to be engaging in any form of corrupt practices. You have been lectured on several occasions to shun corruption and be professional during this election and beyond. “Having said that, let me sound this warning – If you are caught engaging in such, you would be severely dealt with according to the laid-down principles of the law,” he stated.
