THE CABLE
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned against disruptions during the governorship and state assembly polls on Saturday.
Ahead of the elections, there is heightened tension among political parties and their supporters, fuelling fears of election-day violence.
Police commands across different states have however assured Nigerians of adequate security as they troop out to perform their franchise.
SOUTH-EAST: ‘DISRUPTORS SHOULD BE READY TO DIE’
John Amadi, deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the south-east, on Thursday asked residents of the geopolitical zone not to “entertain any fears”.
“The police are there to protect the system,” he said during a briefing in Umuahia, Abia state capital.
“Anybody that wants to put himself into problem or [get] involved in thuggery would have himself to blame. Anybody that wants to snatch ballot boxes or disrupt the elections will be promptly dealt with.
“We have deployed our men to dominate all the areas that we think that trouble would erupt from. So we are sounding a note of warning to criminals and non-state agents that we would not tolerate anything that would not allow the people cast their vote and chose who they want to represent them.
“Anybody that wants to disrupt the system should be ready to die and anybody that wants to die should come out and disrupt the system. If you love your life keep away, cast your vote, go home and wait for the result.”
The police chief urged the Abia electorate to disregard any threat to stop the elections while stating that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be adequately protected.
He pledged the readiness of the force to maintain neutrality during the polls, saying the police do not belong to any political party.
