Ahead of the Saturday 18th March Governorship and State Assembly election ,the Nasarawa State Police Command has vowed to resist and deal rudelessly with any political thugs who may want to disrupt the exercise across the polling units in the state.
In a press statement signed by the Command Police Public Relation Officer ,DSP Ramhan Nansel,and made available to mewsmen in Lafia ,the Nasarawa State Capital on Froday, which revealed that some politicians in the state have recruited and employed thugs into the state for the purpose of disrupting the Saturday polls.
As accordingbto the press release the Police Command posited that it was in the knowledge of the Nasarawa State Police Command that, some desperate group of politicians in their bid to truncate the electoral process in the State have resort to importing political thugs into some Local governments such as Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, Toto and Kokona.
The statement in parts ,reads that “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;.
Adding that ” 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 are to note that, there will be restriction of movement from 12 mid-night of March 17, 2023 to 6:00pm of 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.
However 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; as anyone found wanting no matter how highly placed in the society shall be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.