Christopher Oji
The Lagos State Commissioners of Police, Zubairu Muazu, has reaffirmed the command’s readiness for the Saturday, March 9, governorship and house of assembly elections.
Muazu, at a press briefing yesterday in his office in Ikeja, said the police and other sister agencies had met and discussed the security lapses during the last presidential election, analysed and mapped out strategies on how to tackle the challenges in the next elections.
“We have identified the flashpoints and agreed that adequate patrol and security should be provided in the areas. Part of the arrangements is that armed police personnel should be very close to the polling booths. You know the electoral law does not permit armed policemen in polling booths, and it does not also allow the military near the polling booths, but with our experience in the last presidential election, we will keep them close to polling stations for quick response to distress calls.
“We witnessed disruption of the electoral process in some polling stations, notably in Ago Palace Way area of Okota and some other places, but some media houses, especially the social media, reported half-truths, in some instances, outright fabrications, on what actually transpired.
“The second major incident that occurred was on Thursday, February 28, after the declaration of the presidential election result by the Independent National Election Commission. A group of youths trooped out in large numbers in Okokomaiko under the guise of celebrating the victory of their party, disrupted traffic along Lagos-Badagry Expressway and caused serious breach of peace. One of the hoodlums died while four others were injured. Thirty-eight suspects were arrested. A senior police officer who was injured during the crisis is recuperating.
“Let me re-emphasise that Lagos is safe and peaceful. Lagosians are peace-loving people. There is no ethnic group or community under threat in any part of the state. We have reviewed and redoubled our strategies to ensure a peaceful conduct of gubernatorial and house of assembly elections. Our surveillance and patrols have intensified.
“I want to warn people who sit in the comfort of their homes and offices to generate fake news on social media to fan the embers of hate among the various peace-loving entities in the state to desist from the act or be ready to face the full weight of the law. I also want to warn troublemakers to steer clear of polling booths as we will not tolerate any kind of indiscipline.
“I want to also reassure the good people of Lagos State that, in collaboration with other security agencies, we are working round the clock to ensure their safety and security for the gubernatorial and house of assembly elections. Qualified voters should come out en masse to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice as their security is fully guaranteed.”
The CP warned thugs to keep away from polling stations, as anyone arrested for electoral offences would be transferred to Police Headquarters, Abuja: “This is the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, and it must be obeyed to the letter. Parents should advise their children to behave themselves. Our investigation has shown that the disturbance during the last presidential election were the work of thugs. Nobody or organisation or party sent them, that is why we will deal with anyone found wanting in the upcoming elections,” he said.