The Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, has warned political actors in Anambra against seeking to win Saturday’s Governorship Election through violence means.
Egbetokun issued the warning at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Awka on Tuesday.
He advised politicians to follow the path of peace during the exercise.
Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Force Intelligence Department, Benjamin Okolo, warmed that “power acquired through violence carries the seed of its own destruction.
“To our political actors, I urge restraint and responsibility.
“Power acquired through violence carries the seed of its own destruction. Seek to persuade, not provoke.
“Remember that peace is the highest form of victory and leadership means nothing, if it leaves the land in ashes.
“To our traditional, religious and community leaders, you remain the moral compass of society.
“Your silence can inflame or heal. Use your influence to calm the polity.
“Guide the youths and remind every supporter that no ambition is worth a single Nigerian life.
“To the resilient people of Anambra, our message is clear: Go out and vote.
“Vote your conscience. Vote without fear.
“The Nigerian police force stands as your shield, not your shadow.
“We are here to protect, not to pressure. To secure, not to subdue.
“Let Anambra set the example that democracy in Nigeria can be both peaceful and proud,” he said.
Egbetokun said that election season offers voters a choice between order and chaos, between patriotism and personal gain, between leadership and lawlessness.
He said that the choice made by the people of Anambra would echo beyond the ballot.
He pledged that for the Nigerian police, Anambra election would not be business as usual.
“The police would be neutral but not negligent, civil but never cowardly.
“We shall enforce the law without fear or favour, without affection or ill will.
“Anyone who seeks to disrupt this process by violence, inducement or intimidation will find the full authority of the law waiting at his or her door.
“Our operational plan for Anambra is detailed, intelligence-driven and community-focused.
“Every polling unit has been mapped. Every collection centre has been equally mapped.
“Every flashpoint has been identified. Our officers have been briefed. Our formations reinforced and our synergy with the military, intelligence and paramilitary agencies is seamless,” he said.
The Director General, National Youth Service Corps, Mr Kunle Nafiu, gave assurance that the corps members that would serve as ad hoc staff would uphold the virtues of honesty and discipline in the discharge of election duties.
Nafiu, represented by the Corps Welfare and Health Services Officer, Mr Ayodele Omotade, urged the security agencies and political party supporters to ensure the safety of the ad hoc staff.
The Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Chief Chidubem Iweka, gave the traditional rulers’ commitment to use their offices to promote peace during the election.
Iweka, represented by Eze Oke Ebo of Umueri, also said that the people of had also pledged to come out en masse to vote on the election day.
He said that while the traditional rulers had pledged their support, they looked up to INEC to conduct credible elections, and surpass its previous performance in the state.(NAN)