Defend Electorate, INEC Officials, IG Orders State CPs, as DSS Raises the Alarm over Plans to Unleash Violence After Guber Polls
Written by Olarotimi Oshin on March 9, 2023
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered Commissioners of Police in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to protect the electorate, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and electoral materials in Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections.
But the Department of State Security (DSS) raised the alarm over plans by some groups to unleash violence after the March 11 gubernatorial and state assembly elections.
A statement issued by the Spokesman of the Nigeria Police and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Inspector-General has directed all Commissioners of Police and strategic commanders posted for the gubernatorial and state assembly election duties to mobilise all resources at their disposal to defend the electorate, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and sensitive materials as well as the electoral process during the conduct of elections.
While charging all commanders in various states to take up complaints of intimidation, harassment and assault reported by individuals and groups for proper investigation, he assured all Nigerians, particularly the electorate and INEC officials that the Nigeria Police was working in synergy with other security agencies to ensure adequate security and protection of fundamental rights nationwide.