Plateau LG Polls: Police Warn Politicians Against Ballot Snatching, Violence

Posted by African Examiner Agabus Pwanagba, Featured, Latest Headlines Monday, February 24th, 2014

Agabus Pwanagba, Jos

Less than 24 hours to the much awaited Local Government Elections in Plateau State, the state’s police command has warned the citizenry to eschew violence, ballot snatching, arms proliferation saying anyone caught will face the wrath of the law.

Plateau State Police Commissioner Chris Olakpe

The State’s commissioner of police, Mr. Chris Olakpe in company of other security Chiefs gave the warning while briefing journalists on Monday of the command’s preparedness in ensuring a hitch free polls in the State.

He said:

“The public must eschew thuggery, ballot snatching/hijacking, arms proliferation, use of psychotropic substances/ drugs and all forms of crimes and criminalities.

“Movement from one Local Government Area to another is restricted from dusk to dawn that is, 6am to 6pm except electoral officials, security personnel, fire service, medical officers and all those on essential duties services.

“In order not to heat up the polity, avoid rumour mongering.”

Olakpe also warned that, “To strictly comply with the Electoral Law, any person or group of persons that breached it will not be tolerated by the Command and other security agencies.

The Police Chief urged the public to report any visible violation of the electoral law or acts of criminality to the police or other security agencies.

The Commissioner further advised politicians to play politics without rancour or bitterness, adding that “politics is not a do or die affair.”