The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba has directed Commissioners of Police to as a matter of urgency, dismantle campaign bottlenecks put in place by State governors deliberately to frustrate political opponents.
According to the IGP, on no account should any serving or sitting governor stop other political parties from conducting their campaigns in all the nook and cranny of any state.
This was as the IGP vowed to deal ruthlessly with touts obstructing campaigns by opposition political parties.
Baba also stressed that thugs and politicians indulging in anti-democratic practice would be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the law.
IGP Baba, who stated these at the 2022 Political Parties’ Summit organised by the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), in Abuja, directed the Commissioners of Police to provide security for every political party embarking on electioneering in all the nook and cranny of any state.
Baba, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Dandaura Mustapha, warned that any Commissioner who fails to carry out his responsibility within the ambit of the law and decide to dance to the tunes of governors would be removed.
The IGP further said;
“We have been receiving a lot of complains from political parties. It is unfortunate of what is happening this period.
“All the political parties are complaining. It is not only APC or PDP or Labour Party or APGA.
“Unfortunately, some of our governors are not helping matters.
“They have not laid a solid foundation, give other political parties access to campaign. Some try to manipulate the campaigns.
“Some even sponsor touts to pursue the opposition, remove their billboards, posters and destroy their offices.
“Based on this, all Commissioners of police that must ensure that on no account should any serving or sitting governor stop other political parties from conducting their campaigns in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
“This instruction was very clear both in writing and verbal.
“We have told all the Commissioners of Police.
” If such happen, the Commissioners of Police have been directed to arrest all the hoodlums no matter where they belong and whoever is sponsoring them, we will arrest them and charge them to court.
“So, please, be rest assured that all political parties are free to go about their lawful businesses.
“You are free to go to any village and conduct your campaign freely and we are going to give you enough security.”
