Ondo polls: Army, police declare readiness, threaten to deal with election thugs

by Isi Esene

The Nigeria Police and the Army have threatened to decisively deal with any form of violence or breach of peace during Saturday’s gubernatorial elections in Ondo State.

This notice was jointly given yesterday in Abuja by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Mohammed Abubakar.

IGP Abubakar said, “The restriction is not for the three days. It is from 6pm on Thursday because we want to ensure that people do not take arms and ammunition (into the state), or import people who ordinarily are not supposed to be in Ondo for the election.”

He said he used his visit to the state on Wednesday to study the terrain and instruct his men on ways to tackle any security challenges that may arise.

On his part, the GOC, Abubakar told newsmen that there is “no movement on that day except for those on essential duties and those on election duty. No hunting on election day.

“I am happy that the IG has said that there will be no fishing during the poll. I don’t want to hear that I am going to the bush to hunt. Anybody with arms must be arrested. If he resists arrest, shoot him; I give you the order.”

Though he maintained that there would be no movement of vehicles during the election hours, he added that motorists going through the state will be allowed to do so after careful scrutiny by relevant security agencies.

GOC Abubakar reportedly used the opportunity to urge his men not to be partisan in the discharge of their duties. He said any soldier found colluding with any party would be severely dealt with.

According to Abubakar, “No amount of money they promised you would turn you into MKO Abiola or (Aliko) Dangote. These people worked for their money. So be satisfied with what the Nigerian Army is paying you.

“Our purpose of being here in Ondo State is to support INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the police and the people of the state to ensure a peaceful election. You and I will not vote even if you have registered. Your work is to enable INEC to conduct a peaceful poll and to allow others to vote without fear.

“The last election in Edo State was conducted under 2 Division and it was peaceful. I want Ondo State election to be peaceful also. You won’t stay at the polling booths but you will provide security for the people.”

He declined to give the number of soldiers to be deployed, but he said that soldiers had been moved in from several formations to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order.

Tags: aliko dangote, army, Edo, General Officer Commanding, INEC, Mohammed Abubakar

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