Olakunle Maruf
The Nigerian Police Force, Sokoto State command has reassured residents of the state especially the political class of its readiness to ensure the forthcoming governorship and house of assembly election is conducted under a peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police deployed to the state to take charge of the Saturday election, CP Shettima Zanna, warned against any attempt to cause a breach of the peace or violate the electoral act before, during and after the polls stressing that the movement restriction order must be adhered to by all.
He said the command in synergy with INEC and ICCES had taken steps to guarantee security, and safety and ensure peaceful level playgrounds for free, fair and credible conduct of the polls.
” We have evaluated the general performance of the police in Sokoto during the presidential and NASS elections and additional anti-riots and crowd control management equipment have been mobilised to brace and upscale the security architecture operations.”
Zanna who gave the stern warning at a stakeholder meeting Thursday with politicians and contestants preparatory to the polls said the command would work effectively in synergy with INEC and other security agencies to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct.
According to the newly deployed Police Boss,” we will not spare anyone found going against the stipulated guidelines and regulations by engaging in political violence or electoral violations especially vote to buy, irrespective of personality.
He further warned non-constitutional security organs; vigilantes and other such informal bodies to steer clear during the elections as they have no role to play whatsoever.
Speaking after the meeting, the chairmen of the APC in the state Isa Sadiq Acida and his colleague of the PDP after the stakeholders meeting assured that members of their parties will cooperate with security agents to ensure that the election is free, fair and credible elections.
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