The Police in Benue state have charged stakeholders in the electoral process to make March 9 governorship and States House of Assembly elections better than the former by conducting themselves more peacefully during and after the elections.
The Assistant Inspector General, AIG, of Police for Zone 4, Makurdi, AIG, Chris Ezike made this call during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Benue State Police Command, in Makurdi.
The AIG said security agents, INEC, political parties and all other stakeholders having learnt their lessons from the presidential and National Assembly elections should coordinate themselves to ensure that the Saturday election was not only free and fair but also credible and violence free.
“We want you to make this Saturday election a big success. Lessons have been learnt and the lessons learnt in the presidential elections are supposed to help us improve on this election; make it better through best practices.
“So we are here to remind us all of the no-go-areas. The restriction order still stands and must be compiled with. Go out and vote and then go home. If you choose to stay, then you must do so according to the rules and regulations of the law.
The AIG urged Benue people especially the youth and politicians to shun thuggery, vote buying, and other related offences that would compromise the peaceful conduct of the elections on Saturday.
He assured that security officers on election duty would be peaceful just as they have the capacity to protect everyone, but warned that those who hate peace will be dealt with according to the law.
While commending key stakeholders and the Benue populace for conducting themselves peacefully during the last elections, the AIG re-emphasized that all security officers attached to political office holders will be withdrawn before commencement of elections.
He also admonished politicians to see themselves as brothers charting a common cause by shunning hate songs, hate speeches and statements capable of breaching peace amongst themselves and their supporters saying after the elections, the Benue people will still stay as one.
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Ezike also disclosed that there would be an increase in the presence of security personnel in the state during the elections, but assured that they were not in the state to intimidate anyone, but will be on duty for the general security and good of all citizens.
Earlier the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Omololu Bishi said the command had taken analysis of the challenges witnessed during the last elections and were poised to address all inadequacies so as to avoid setbacks in Saturday election.
Bishi commended all stakeholders including security agencies for their peaceful conduct during the presidential elections saying “your conduct is commendable
“But you must work hard this time to ensure a free, fair, credible and transparent election”, he said assuring residents of improved security throughout the polls.
