The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun convened a crucial meeting with key stakeholders in Kogi State on Wednesday, urging “political leaders to play a significant role in maintaining the peace by promoting a culture of non-violence among their supporters and ensuring that the electoral process is conducted without any form of intimidation or coercion”.
The Force Headquarters said this was part of Egbetokun’s continued commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral process during Saturday’s off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The meeting, which was held in the state capital, brought together various stakeholders including political leaders, representatives of political parties, civil society organisations electoral officials, traditional and religious leaders, youth leaders, and security agencies.
“The primary goal of this gathering was to engage in constructive dialogue, share information, and strategise on measures to guarantee a free, fair, credible, and peaceful electoral process in the state.
“The IGP also encouraged political leaders to play a significant role in maintaining the peace by promoting a culture of non-violence among their supporters and ensuring that the electoral process is conducted without any form of intimidation or coercion”.
Adejobi further said that the IGP charged the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department to take over the investigation into the armed attack that took place in the Anyigba area of the state on Tuesday.
He added: “During the meeting, the IGP reacting to a trending video of an incident in Anyigba where it was alleged that some armed men attacked the residence of one of the key officials in one of the parties, charged the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department to take over the case for thorough investigation in order to ascertain all parties concerned, their respective levels of involvement and to ensure justice by all means.
“The Inspector General of Police reiterated that the Force is committed to impartiality and neutrality throughout the electoral process and will take decisive action against any person who engages in any form of misconduct or violence. He also charged candidates and their followers to embrace peace as the police and other security agents would not spare anyone caught fomenting troubles during the electioneering process”.
