The Inspector-General of Police IGP, Mr. Kayode, Egbetokun, on Monday, read the riot act to perpetrators of electoral violence, warning them to steer clear of Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State as troublemakers would be made to face the full weight of the law.
The police boss, who gave the warning during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa, said the force and other security agencies were fully ready and duty bound to ensure free and fair poll in the state, and assured that the police was neutral.
He called on Bayelsans to have confidence in the police, adding that the increased deployment of personnel to Bayelsa State was to forestall any violence during the poll.
Egbetokun thanked Governor Douye Diri for his support to the state police command and assured him of adequate security before, during and after the election.
He said: “I want to assure you that the police, with the assistance of other security agencies, will provide adequate security for the election on November 11.
“In Bayelsa State, and in the other two states where the election would take place, I want to say with confidence that the police and other security agencies have taken a position to be neutral in this election.
Responding, Gov Diri noted that the assurances of the IGP to provide adequate security for the election was an added advantage to the peace and security the state already enjoyed.
Diri said his government and Bayelsans were ready to support the police to achieve zero violence during the poll.
He urged people of the state not to be deterred by the large deployment of security personnel but rather see the police presence as a measure to boost their confidence to cast their votes.
Diri congratulated the IGP on his appointment and subsequent confirmation by the Senate and thanked him for the visit, which was his first to the state since he assumed office as the police boss.