Security measure marshaled towards 2019 general election - IGP

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni, has directed the implementation of a robust and elaborate security arrangement and measures to ensure adequate security and safety for the electioneering campaigns and rallies towards the 2019 general election throughout the Country.

This was Consequent to the release of the Time Table and Schedule of activities for 2019 General Elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the commencement of campaign by Political Parties for the Presidential & National Assembly Elections which has taken off on 18th November, 2018 and Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections starting on 1stDecember, 2018.

As revealed in the press statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer Ag. Dcp Jimoh Moshood, it reads that measures has being taken to prevent and nip in the bud any form of inter-party frictions, political thuggery and clashes that can lead to disturbance of public peace anywhere in the Country.  

All Political Parties are hereby advised to abide by the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and INEC Guidelines, and play the game according to the rules. They are to prevail on their flag bearers, members, supporters and fans not to engage in any act or conduct that can incite violence or disturbance of public peace anywhere in the Country during the campaigns and beyond. 

According to the report, the Commissioners of Police in the Commands and Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police throughout the Country are under strict instructions of the Inspector General of Police not to tolerate any form of political thuggery, intimidation, demonstration of violent conducts and over dramatization of political fans that can precipitate political clashes and jeopardize prevailing peace in their Commands from any Political Party or Politician(s).

Idris stated that the Force will not condone hate speeches, indecent and criminal defamatory conducts from any individual(s) or group(s) that can cause threat to public peace and safety.

The Commissioners of Police in the Thirty Six (36) States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are to continue the meetings of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with INEC and other Security and Safety Agencies on the implementation of the action plans and security arrangements of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring adequate security for the political campaigns and rallies for the 2019 General Elections.

However, Parents and Guidance, Traditional/Religious Leaders, Public Office Holders are hereby implored to monitor their children, wards, subjects and adherent to be law abiding and resist to be used to cause disturbance of public peace and violation of law and order during the period of the campaigns and beyond.