Supplementary Polls:Nigeria Police Boss, Adamu Warns Politicians Against Ballot Box Snatching And Vote Buying

The acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, has cautioned politicians against undermining the electoral process during the supplementary elections holding in some states.

In a series of tweets by the police yesterday, he warned politicians not to engage in untoward practices such as snatching of ballot boxes, vote-buying and violence, among others.

Naija News Understands that the police boss said any individual or group found culpable in any act of electoral malpractice would be made to face the full consequences of the law.

As part of measures to ensure a hitch-free exercise, Mr Adamu directed the Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIG) and their respective Commissioners of Police (CPs) in states where supplementary elections were taking place to ensure that adequate mechanisms were in place.

He warned politicians not to undermine the electoral process by engaging in untoward practices such as snatching of ballot boxes, vote trading and violence of all kinds, stressing that violators would be made to face the full consequences of the law. #AskThePolice

— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) March 22, 2019

To further strengthen the security arrangements, the IGP deployed five Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), three AIGs, 15 additional CPs to provide supervision, direction and support to the existing security structure already in place in those states.

The DIGs deployed include Usman Abubakar – Adamawa, Yakubu Jubrin – Benue, Taiwo Lakanu – Plateau, Anthony Michael – Kano, and Godwin Nwobodo – Bauchi State. Out of the 15 additional CPs deployed, three each were deployed in Benue and Sokoto States, while two each were deployed in Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano and Plateau States. On the other hand, Imo State got one police commissioner.

The IGP commended the officers for their sterling performances in the previous elections.

https://twitter.com/dadiyata/status/1109381438003208192

He, however, asked them to remain patriotic, steadfast, professional, neutral and civil, but firm in their conducts and actions during the make-up polls.

The police boss urged the public to cooperate with security operatives, disclosed that a total of 796 suspects were arrested for various electoral offences across the nation.

According to him, the latest arrests bring the total number of all the suspects arrested to 1,119.

He gave assurance that the police would ensure wholesome investigation and diligent prosecution of the suspects in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).