The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Suleiman Abba, has warned leaders of political parties in Kaduna State against instigating violence through the use of thugs ahead of the 2015 general elections.
The police chief noted that he would not hesitate to enforce necessary provisions of the law to bring political parties’ members found to be involved in disrupting the peace of the zone to book.
Zone 7 comprises Kaduna, Niger and the FCT.
Abba, who spoke at a stakeholders meeting with political party leaders at the Police Officers’ Mess, Kaduna, on Wednesday, also warned politicians against making inflammatory statements capable of breaching the peace.
He also assured the politicians at the meeting that the police were prepared to provide security for the electorate, electoral officers, electoral materials as well as the courts to ensure that next year’s polls are acceptable polls to all.
The police boss said, “I am here to discuss mainly the issue that is ahead of us, which is the election. These issues have to do with political rallies, processions, conventions, meetings, screening of candidates and campaign issues.
“I hereby request for understanding and cooperation of each and every political member on what is ahead of us. It is important to have an enabling environment to allow us to regulate and maintain law and order in the country.
“The importance of Kaduna State in the politics of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. The political parties must put aside political thuggery because if you don’t abide, the law will have to take its course.
“We will make sure that every policeman is knowledgeable and know about his duty before and after the election and know laws guiding the conduct of the elections”.
