The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Monday asked Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as well as the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in the 12 zonal commands to protect all venues for political campaigns and rallies throughout the country.
Idris spoke in Ibadan during an interactive session on the security arrangements for campaigns and rallies in place for political parties towards 2019 general elections.
The event had in attendance traditional rulers, Independent National Electoral Commission officials, party chairmen, candidates, Police Community Relation Committee members and other stakeholders.
The IG, who was represented on the occasion by a Deputy-Inspector General of Police, Agboola Oshodi-Glover, said the police would deploy officers to flashpoints and vulnerable areas to prevent any act capable of causing violence.
He also advised political parties to abide by the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and INEC guidelines.
Idris said all CPs and AIGs had been instructed not to tolerate any form of political intimidation and any act of violent conduct.
He said, “Commissioners of Police are to effect arrest and immediately prosecute any party member or supporter in possession of firearms or dangerous weapons during campaigns and rallies in their respective states. The force will not condone any hate speech, indecent and criminal defamatory conduct from any individual or group that can threaten public peace and safety anywhere in the country.”
