TheCable

Babatunde Ishola, an assistant inspector general of police (AIGP), says security operatives will be ruthless against troublemakers in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi.

The governorship poll in the state is scheduled to hold on November 11.

Speaking on Wednesday at the stakeholders meeting, including representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ishola warned politicians to desist from any kind of self-help that may breach peace during the election.

Ishola advised that electioneering campaigns should be issue-based, adding that hate comments and intimidation by political actors would not be permitted.

“We are assuring you that police and other security agencies will do all we can to maintain peace and security before, during and after the election,” he said.

“Although security is everybody’s business, the security operatives will be ruthless against troublemakers because we have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to snatching of ballot boxes.”

On his part, Akeem Yusuf, the commissioner of police in Kogi, said Kayode Egbetokun, the acting inspector-general of police (IGP), has pledged to deploy enough officers for the purpose of the election. 

On Tuesday, Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner of information in the state, warned politicians to desist from making reckless and inflammatory statements ahead of the gubernatorial election.

He added that those spreading falsehoods in the state should prepare to face the wrath of the law, warning Muritala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), against promoting ethnic division,