Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to conduct proper investigations into some cases of pre-election violence and ensure that culprits are brought to book.
The governor made this known on Wednesday, when he received in a courtesy visit the IGP who was in the state on a special assignment with regards to the November 11 gubernatorial election.
He added that criminals must not be allowed to take advantage of the enforcement agencies, noting that some offenders after perpetrating certain acts of crime and criminality, run to the police to cry the victim.
The governor while emphasising that conclusive investigation should be conducted, added that going by the records, those who have been evading Police invitation and those that have been alleged to have killed political supporters including women and youths, should be the prime suspect of the Police Force.
He noted that the APC’s government under his leadership have performed at all levels beyond the imagination of the citizen hence the APC is not afraid of the election. The Governor added ‘’If you are winning an election, you don’t need to engage in violence and as a party we are confident that we will win free and square as long as the poll is violence-free’’.
The governor said in his over 7 years leadership and from the records of the Police, Kogi State which was previously a hotbed in and out of political season have experienced peace and tranquility.
He said opposition parties in the state were the ones identified with violent dispositions, noting that during his second term re-election bid, while the APC conducted a free and fair primary election, the congress and primary election of the opposition party witnessed massive and sporadic shooting.
He therefore called on the operatives of the Nigerian Police and other sister agencies to ensure adherence to professional conduct during the November 11 polls, noting that his party, the APC, in the state, holds a track record of peaceful electioneering.
While giving kudos to the security operatives working in the state for their dedication and professionalism, Governor Bello noted that the accolades his administration have received were as a result of the professionalism and cordial relationship, between the government, the police and other security agencies in the state, adding that his government intends to build on this legacy.
Governor Bello expressed that citizens of the state, especially those who are supporters of the party, will be law abiding in this election, assuring that the gubernatorial poll will emerge the most peaceful among the other three states holding the off-season elections.
The IGP in his remarks, said that the police alongside other security operatives are fully prepared to conduct a free and fair election, and are committed to a peaceful poll, urging political actors not burn down the state because of one election.
He said ‘’My appeal is that we should all act according to the law during this election. On our path, the police will be prompt in neutralising any act of violence during the election and will respond to every act of violation swiftly. These are our commitments and we are going to discharge our duties responsibly and effectively’’
Mr. Egbetokun hinted that few cases of pre-election violence have been recorded which the police are not happy about hence they are taking necessary precautions to prevent further violence before, during and after the election.
While he thanked the governor for his efforts in keeping Kogi state safe, the IGP mentioned a recent incident which occurred on Wednesday in Anyingba. He however assured that the matter is being investigated.
“Although not conclusive, it seems to me like an operational error, but investigation will reveal what happened. I want to assure that police will be neutral and will do their job in the election,” he noted.
. TheWitness
