Christopher Oji
Ahead of Saturday’s general election, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Muazu Zubairu, has read the riot act to would-be ballot box snatchers in the state, warning that the police would deal ruthlessly with anyone who attempts to snatch ballot boxes or unleash mayhem on voters.
The CP warned that the command would curb ballot box snatchers according to the Constitution and Electoral Act.
Zubairu, at his maiden press briefing yesterday, said the command was prepared for Saturday’s elections, as 30,000 security agents have been deployed for election duty.
The police boss said the personnel, drawn from the police, army, Department of State Security, Civil Defence Corps and other sister agencies, would protecte staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electoral materials, voters and polling units and maintain law and order in all parts of the state before, during and after the elections.
“Over 30,000 personnel drawn from the police and other security agencies have been deployed to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process. Ballot box snatching is part of electoral offences, hence arrested persons will be charged to appropriate courts.
“Our men have the ingredients of the Electoral Act, they have been well trained on what is expected of them before, during and after the elections. So, when any one who snatches a ballot box is caught, they will be tried in court and punished according to the law.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, under the umbrella of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on this election, is ready come Saturday. A very robust operation order to cover deployment of security personnel for the elections is on ground, so we will ensure there is a safe and secure environment for the electorate in Lagos to go and cast their votes without fear and intimidation.