Police Urge Illegal Arms Owners To Submit Weapons Before Elections
FOLLOWING the incessant political crises in Rivers State ahead of February elections, the police said, it has embarked on an intensive stop and search of all vehicles, nooks and crannies, to check unwholesome acts that may impede the peaceful conduct of the general elections.
Also, the police have directed anyone in possession of an illegal firearm to deposit such weapon with the State Police Command before the commencement of the elections, which begin with on February 14 or,face the wrath of the law.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Tunde Ogunsakin, gave the order during a “Peace Accord” signing ceremony of the governorship candidates of the political parties in the state in Port Harcourt.
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr.Dakuku Peterside and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mr. Nyeson Wike, signed the peace pact, making it the second time the peace agreement has been signed by the candidates.
Ogunsakin said: “In view of the fact that arms proliferation has always been a major issue in Rivers State, I have directed the Rivers State Police Command to embark on intensive stop and search of all vehicles, nooks and crannies in order to nip in the bud any unwholesome act that can impede the peaceful conduct of the general elections”.
The AIG added that he has set up a Special Investigation Team on Electoral Offences to deal with electoral complaints and offences.
“In this regard, I am advising those illegally in possession of firearms to surrender them to the police or risk the full wrath of the law as there will definitely be no hiding place for them”.He stated
He noted that he has the mandate of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, to ensure that elections are peaceful and hitch-free in Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Cross Rivers and Rivers States- the four states under his official jurisdiction.
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