The Nasarawa State Police Command has issued a warning about alleged attempts by state politicians to derail Saturday’s governorship election.
The command’s spokesperson, Ramhan Nansel, issued and made available to newsmen on Friday a statement accusing politicians of importing thugs into some local government areas of the state in order to sabotage the governorship and state assembly elections.
The local governments named by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, are Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, Toto, and Kokona.
The command warned residents and politicians in the state to avoid such actions, emphasizing that officers of the command are prepared to deal ruthlessly with anyone attempting to disrupt the election.
“It has come to the knowledge of the Nasarawa State Police Command that some desperate group of politicians have resorted to importing political thugs into some Local governments such as Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, Toto, and Kokona in their bid to truncate the electoral process in the State,” the statement reads.
“In view of the forgoing, the Command is using this medium to warn all politicians who are nursing the idea of disrupting the electoral process or contravene the Electoral Act, 2022, to stay away from such and allow the electoral process to be carried out under peaceful atmosphere.
“The Command will use all necessary forces/do everything within its operational guidelines in synergy with all security agencies in the State to deal ruthlessly or subdue any act, that is capable of rupturing the polls come March 18, 2023.
“Furthermore, members of the public and all political parties should be aware that movement will be restricted from 12 a.m. on March 17, 2023 to 6:00 p.m. on March 18, 2023.
“Take note also, that accredited observers, journalists, security agents and one accredited political party agent each from all registered political parties would be allowed entrance in all collation centres across the State.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Maiyaki Baba, has called on members of the public to go out en masse and vote for candidates of their choice without fear while assuring them of maximum security.
“Parents are advised to warn their wards to stay away from any contemplated illegality; anyone found wanting no matter how highly placed in the society shall be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law”.
