The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, has warned police escort attached to politicians not to follow them to polling centres on election day.He said any policeman found in company with politicians at polling units, apart from those assigned to ensure security there, would be arrested.
Abba’s warning was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said, “Only Police personnel specifically assigned for election duties must be seen within and around the election designated places.
“No armed Police escort must be seen escorting politicians to the Polling units.
“Such (erring) policemen would be arrested and made to face stern disciplinary action.”
He commended Police personnel and other law enforcement agencies that participated in the policing of the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections for their unparalleled professionalism during the exercise.
The IGP noted that their virtues of selflessness and dedication to duty contributed in no small measure to the overall success of the widely acclaimed free and fair election.
He also commended the high level of comportment, discipline, orderliness, patience and understanding exhibited by the citizens throughout the period of the elections.
Abba specifically commended Nigerians for the huge assistance they extended to the police and other law enforcement agencies which made the election hitch-free.
The IGP, however, called for a similar level of citizens’ cooperation and support for the police and other relevant agencies in the forthcoming Governorship and House of Assembly elections on Saturday.
He urged all citizens to remain calm, confident, hopeful and trust in the ability of the police and other relevant agencies to discharge their constitutional mandate of ensuring the safety of lives and property during the exercise.
He pledged that the police would continue to protect the democratic rights and freedoms of the citizens.
He also reiterated the preparedness of the force to consolidate and re-enact the last election security success story in other future elections.
