BY VICTORIA IKEANO

The Nasarawa state police command has issued a stern warning to politicians to desist from acts that could disrupt Saturday polls, adding that to would use all necessary force within its constitutional powers a and in conjunction with other security agencies to quell such acts. This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Ramhan Nansel for the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Maiyaki Baba.

The statement with reference number: AZ:5250/NAS/PRD/VOL. 2/23 dated March 17, 2023 read in full: “It has come to the knowledge of the Nasarawa State Police Command that, some desperate group of politicians in their bid to truncate the electoral process in the State have resort to importing political thugs into some Local governments such as Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, Toto and Kokona.

“In view of the forgoing, the Command is using this medium to warn all politicians who are nursing the idea of disrupting the electoral process or contravene the Electoral Act, 2022 to stay away from such and allow the electoral process to be carried out under peaceful atmosphere; as the Command will use all necessary forces/do everything within its operational guidelines in synergy with all security agencies in the State to deal ruthlessly or subdue any act, that is capable of rupturing the polls come March 18, 2023.

“Furthermore, members of the public and all political parties are to note that, there will be restriction of movement from 12 mid-night of March 17, 2023 to 6:00pm of March 18, 2023.

“Take note also, that accredited observers, journalists, security agents and one accredited political party agent each from all registered political parties would be allowed entrance in all collation centres across the State.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Maiyaki Baba has called on members of the public to go out en masse and vote for candidates of their choice without fear while assuring them of maximum security. Parents are advised to warn their wards to stay away from any contemplated illegality; anyone found wanting no matter how highly placed in the society shall be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law”.