The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning against disruptions during the governorship and state assembly polls taking place on Saturday. There is heightened tension among political parties and their supporters, which is fueling fears of election-day violence.
Despite these concerns, police commands across different states have assured Nigerians of adequate security measures to enable them to perform their civic duty without fear.
During a briefing in Umuahia, Abia state capital, John Amadi, the deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the south-east, urged residents of the geopolitical zone not to be afraid, saying, “The police are there to protect the system.”
He went on to warn potential troublemakers, stating, “Anybody that wants to put himself into problem or [get] involved in thuggery would have himself to blame. Anybody that wants to snatch ballot boxes or disrupt the elections will be promptly dealt with."
Amadi assured the public that the police had deployed officers to areas where trouble might occur, adding, "So we are sounding a note of warning to criminals and non-state agents that we would not tolerate anything that would not allow the people to cast their vote and choose who they want to represent them."
He urged the Abia electorate to disregard any threats to stop the elections, stating that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be adequately protected.
Amadi also pledged the readiness of the force to maintain neutrality during the polls, emphasizing that the police do not belong to any political party.
In his words, "Anybody that wants to disrupt the system should be ready to die and anybody that wants to die should come out and disrupt the system. If you love your life keep away, cast your vote, go home and wait for the result."
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