Police’ll prevent 1983 electoral violence recurrence – IG

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has said that the police would not allow the electoral violence that rocked the old Ondo State in 1983 to repeat itself in Ekiti on Saturday.

He said highest number of support personnel and equipment are being deployed from the Force Headquarters to Ekiti State for the governorship election.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, shortly before the deployment of personnel and equipment to the state, Abubakar said that the massive deployment was to prevent violence and, ensure free and fair election.

He said, “Some of us who had the opportunity to be in Ondo State in 1983, during Ajasin/Omoboriowo election, we know what had happened, and we are doing everything to ensure that it is prevented. We’ll ensure that this election (June 21 governorship election) is free and fair, and without violence.

“Knowing what Ekiti used to be during elections, we have gone a step further to do all the things we are supposed to do in terms of materials and human resources. Do not ask the number of personnel I am going to use, we want to keep that to our chest so that we can do our best.

“I tell you it is one of the highest numbers we can ever expect to deploy in more than any other state that we have been because we must look at history.”

According to him, security agencies in the last three months had carried out surveillance and gathered information towards ensuring a free and fair election in Ekiti.

He assured the people of the state that adequate security would be provided to enable them exercise their franchise and called on politicians to prevail on their supporters to maintain the peace.

Addressing the personnel, Abubakar charged them to abide by the code of conduct, and be fair and firm in the discharge of their duties.

“We have already made plans to ensure that you are paid your allowances in Ekiti, and therefore, I do not expect you to do anything stupid.

“Remember, you are going to be watched not only by my own officers, but by other organisations including civil organisations and international monitors, who will be in Ekiti.

“I expect you as good ambassadors of the Nigeria Police to obey the code of conduct and at the same time respect the rule of law and all other regulations guiding the Ekiti election,” he said.

The IG explained that each senatorial district would be placed under aerial surveillance by a helicopter, adding that more personnel would be deployed by the zonal Police headquarters.

Over 50 vehicles including trucks, Amoured Personnel Carriers, ambulances, patrol vans, one bomb detector robot and three helicopters were deployed for the election.