10th April, 2015
Tunde Ogunsakin, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone Six, has charged policemen in the zone to do everything possible to prevent snatching of ballot boxes during Saturday’s elections.
Ogunsakin made the charge in Port Harcourt while briefing officers and men of the Nigeria Police on election duty.
“I don’t want to hear that ballot boxes are snatched unless you want to lose your job.
“You must do your job professionally and remain unbiased and impartial in the course of your duty,” he said.
He said the police would deal with anyone found with fire arms before, during and after the elections.
According to him, the police will not condone contravention of the Electoral Act or disruption of public peace and order in the zone.
“In the event of any violation, we will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on any erring person or group, no matter how highly placed,” the AIG warned.
He assured Nigerians that the police would be objective, liberal, firm and non-partisan.
According to him, the policemen will perform their duties professionally as they do not owe allegiance to any political party.
He also warned that no politician should be seen at the polling centres with police guard, adding that any police officer seen with a politician on that day would be arrested.
According to Ogunsakin, the police will ensure credible and violence –free polls in the zone.
He urged the citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the police.