IPAC partners Police on free, fair elections in Bayelsa, warns against violence

The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, has assured members of the Inter- Party Advisory Council, stakeholders and Bayelsa citizens that the police would ensure free and fair elections come 2019 in the state.
Mukan gave the assurance on Monday at a stakeholders forum in Yenagoa on the readiness of the agency to conduct a free and free election in 2019.
He said electoral rules were clear and that the guidelines were there to guide them.
He said: “There is need for us to come together for the success of the 2019 elections.
“Ours is to ensure a level playing ground for all political parties and their contestants, and for the electorate to exercise their franchise.
“Always inform us when you are going for your campaigns, as the police will provide you with adequate security.”
The police boss appealed to parents to caution their children, saying the police would enforce the full weight of the law on those found wanting because of electoral violence.
He warned those that might carry arms during the elections to have a rethink as the law would take its course.
Mukan assured IPAC of the commitment and cooperation of the police to get free and fair elections.
He said the command was equally collaborating with sister agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission and Service Chiefs to ensure the aim was achieved.
In his remarks, the Chairman, IPAC, Pastor Ineye Zidogha, urged all political parties to avoid hate speech and not to see election as a do or die affair.
He adviced the electorate to vote according to their conscience and for those they believe would represent them and bring about the expected dividend of democracy for the people.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressive Congress parties were not represented.