Mbu to policemen: Stop governors with convoys from entering polling stations

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Joseph Mbu, has urged officers and men of the police to ensure they man their duty posts during the general elections.

Mbu said they should be prepared to stop governors with convoy from having access to the polling stations.

He said by law, the governors are not to come to the polling stations in a manner that will intimidate voters.

Mbu said these and more on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while addressing the officers during his maiden visit to the headquarters of the Ogun State Police Command.

The Zone comprises of Lagos State and Ogun State Police Commands.

Mbu said the call had become necessary to prevent politicians with ulterior motives from hijacking election materials, particularly at polling centres.

He said: “You must ensure that you take effective charge at your various beats or the polling centres to which you may be posted.

“Officials from the army and other security agencies that you may see there are to help you.

“The police have the primary responsibility for ensuring violent-free polls.

“You are in charge and you must perform your duties professionally.

“You must be bold and brave.”

The AIG, who urged the policemen to shun indiscipline, warned that any officer found wanting in the discharge of his or her duties would be severely punished.

“Please note that our role during these elections is critical and our actions or inactions could make or mar the elections,” he said.

Mbu, who also visited the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, urged the electorate and politicians in the zone to play by the rules in order to avoid being arrested by the police.

He said of governors coming to the polling stations with their convoys: “The governor will come quietly, may be with his ADC (aide-de-camp) to vote and walk away quietly.

“Anybody who comes there with people jumping down, don’t be intimidated.

“Stop them.

“Even if he’s the governor, you have the power to say stop there and he stops there.

“Your Excellency, I don’t like your conduct.”