The Police Command in Ekiti state has warned potential vote buyer against indulging in the anti-democratic act in the December, 7.2019 local government elections in the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Asuquo Amba, who read the riot act, particularly warned the political class against violence and other acts capable of truncating the smooth conduct of the exercise .
He warned that politicians found engaging in unwholesome actions will be dealt with, but assured voters and political parties that his men would be neutral and provide a level playing ground for all contenders participating in the elections.
Amba gave the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).
While reiterating the readiness of the command to cooperate and work with other sister agencies like the Odua People’s Congress (OPC), Amba said this 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 success 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 sensitisation and enlightenment programme organised since the announcement of the day of the elections.
