Police in Benue warn against vote buying

THE Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 4, Chris Ejike has warned against thuggery, vote buying and manipulation of election results among other vices during the coming Governorship and Houses of Assembly elections.

The AIG gave the warning at a stakeholders meeting held at the Police Officers Mess in Makurdi yesterday.

He warned politicians and their supporters not to engage in any offensive acts capable to disrupt the elections.

“Lessons that have been learnt in the presidential elections should positively impact on the next election to make it better. There are still no go areas in the elections. The restriction order must be strictly adhered to. We must stay with the rules guiding the elections.

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“It is still an offence to engage in thuggery, vote buying, manipulation and so on. 48 hours to elections, campaigns must stop. Don’t engage in provocative actions, and if you do, the police and other security agencies will apprehend you.

He reminded the politicians that all security personnel attached to them would be withdrawn a day to the elections.

“Election observers and civil society organisations will rank states according to their performance and Benue cannot afford to come last.

The AIG further said that more security operatives would be deployed to known flashpoints area across the state.

“If you notice an increase in the number of those that have been deployed to your area, don’t worry as we are trying to ensure the right thing is done. And I trust that Benue being the food basket of the nation will have an intimidation-free, credible and fair elections.

Earlier, Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Omololu Bishi who adjudged the last presidential and National Assembly (NASS) elections as free of violence in the state, urged stakeholders to consolidate on it in the next election.