Elections: Security agents will bring down anybody who wants to set Nigeria ablaze – IGP

The Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has warned that security agents will deal with anybody or political party that plans to destroy country.

Abba said on the account of the upcoming elections, Nigeria will not be set ablaze.

Abba said these on Saturday when security agencies hosted gubernatorial candidates and their party chairmen during a peace accord signing at the Nigeria State Police Command headquarters, Minna before, during and after the general elections that the security will not fold its hands.

Abba, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of Zone 7, Patrick Dokumor, disclosed that any party found perpetuating violence will be dealt with accordingly.

According to the IGP: “I have come to appeal to all of us.

“As the elections come forth, we will not allow some people to set Nigeria ablaze.

“I enjoin all political parties and their candidates to equally work together.

“We all know that the campaigns have not been peaceful with burning of cars, offices, bombings and attacks on opponents.

“We can campaign without hates.

“I come with peace, but also we will not fold our hands.

“We will pull down every stronghold or anybody or party regardless of who wins the elections.

“This country, Nigeria, must remain.

“There is so much apprehension, people have started fleeing and relocating because of hate and wrong campaign speeches.”

Abba however appealed to Nigerians to go about the elections peacefully and not to go outside of the law as it is no respecter persons or party.

“Let us do things lawfully because if it happens, we will pull down every high temple,” he added.

Abba charged political parties and candidates to adhere strictly to the provisions of the electoral laws.

He said: “The law prohibits use of inflammatory language and provocative actions or manifestation that can incite violence against another party or candidate.

“Nigeria will remain.

“In all that we do, we should avoid all forms of violence.

“The national security of this country supersedes anybody or party’s interest.

“You have the freedom to campaign but you must abide with the right thing so that we will have peace.

“It is not a threat but it is part of our responsibility to protect this country.

“We will not spare anybody or party.

“On the day of elections, we will give you all the support but we will curtail every form of violence.”

Abba also warned that all youths and eligible voters should be sensitized and made to understand the election is not about fighting but about elections.

Accordingly, he said: “Convince the people who are going to vote for you, ward to ward, house to house and not by destroying billboards and posters.

“I have had many cases and I assure you that the security will not be partial.”

Representatives of various political parties assured the IGP of a smooth and violence free elections, adding that they will sensitize their followers to abide by the Peace Accord to ensure that Niger State and indeed Nigeria is peaceful during and after the elections.