The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Asuquo Amba, has read riot act to potential vote buyers in the December, 7.2019 local government election in the state.
He also warned the political class against violence and other acts capable of truncating the smooth conduct of the exercise.
The police boss warned that politicians found engaging in unwholesome actions will be dealt with, assuring voters and political parties that his men will be neutral and provide a level playing ground for all contenders participating in the elections.
Amba gave the warning on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).
The meeting was attended by representatives of the political parties, security agencies as well as electoral officers from various local governments in the state.
While reiterating the readiness of the command to cooperate and work with other sister agencies including members of the Odua People’s Congress(OPC), Amba noted that the move would further ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.
“Let me commend the SIEC for organising this meeting and other efforts made so far, so that we can have free and fair polls.
“I call on politicians to intensify efforts and ensure that their members conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the elections.
“We have done it before during the last presidential elections and we are still going to do it. We will play our role, we are not going to be biased, we will provide good atmosphere for free and fair elections.”
The chairman of the commission, Justice Jide Aladejana, solicited the supports of the political parties and other stakeholders towards the succes of the elections.
He ruled out the use of corps members during the exercise and disclosed that teachers and other government workers will be used as ad-hoc staff.
“SIEC in the last few weeks visited many communities to seek the supports of traditional rulers and sensitized members of the public on the need to ensure free and fair exercise.
A Professor of Political Science at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, commended the SIEC for several sensitization and enlightenment programme organised since the announcement of the day of the elections.
