Akiolu Warns Security Officials, Others Against Instigating Violence

As Buhari Campaigns In Lagos

THE Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Friday threatened to make Lagos most difficult for anyone who tries to incite political violence in the state during the forthcoming elections.

  Akiolu, who spoke while receiving the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in his palace, urged the electorate to cooperate with security operatives and vote for candidates of their choice in the elections.

  Meanwhile, the better part of Lagos was in total lockdown for human and vehicular traffic yesterday as the APC held its presidential campaign rally at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

  The rally, which commenced at 3.00pm, saw the entire Ikorodu road, Ojuelegba, Surulere, down to CMS standstill for several hours.

  The monarch said all security agencies and their handlers must be aware that Lagos opposes all forms of violence. 

  According to him, “I want to sound it as a note of warning to all the security officials in the state. Politicians don’t quarrel but they can disagree often. 

  “Recently, I have heard some comments over the posting of policemen in the country. Posting of policemen is normal when election is approaching. But if anyone comes into Lagos with any sinister motive, by the grace of God, he will have himself to blame,” he said.

  Akiolu, who is a former police chief, noted that some people had come to Lagos with such mindset in the past but failed.

  On the newly posted Assistant Inspector General (AIG) for Zone II, (covering Lagos and Ogun), Mbu Joseph Mbu, Akiolu said: “Lagos is not Port Harcourt. So, no one should express any fear. I implore you all to cooperate with the security agencies. Civilians should cooperate with security officials and vote according to their interests. No one should take laws into his hand. The APC and PDP candidates have kicked against violence in the forthcoming polls. Don’t allow anyone use you for illegal things,” he said.

   Addressing the Oba and his white cap chiefs, Buhari said the experience of the last 16 years had not been pleasant. 

  “It has been bedeviled with insecurity, economic imbalance and unparalleled corruption, which has virtually denied Nigeria the opportunity to improve other social services like education and healthcare. 

  “APC has studied these problems in-depth and priority is on security — from Maiduguri to Sokoto to Akwa Ibom and to Port Harcourt. We just have to get the security of this country right so that people can come out day and night and work hard to earn a living and correct the ills of the society.”

  He promised that an APC government at the centre would address the infrastructural challenges facing Lagos State. “We assure you that the APC will study this situation and make as much compensation as possible to Lagos State,” he said.