AIG Kamaldeem warns politicians against violence, thuggery

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone Six Headquarters, Calabar, Cross River State, Okunlola Kamaldeem has warned politicians against violence, thuggery and other forms of crimes usually perpetrated during the elections.

Speaking during a familiarisation tour of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command in Uyo on Saturday, Kamaldeem advised politicians to be peaceful in carrying out their electioneering and refrain from ignominious acts.

The AIG who vowed to fight crime to a standstill within his jurisdiction said politicians who engage in violence, crime or any form of thuggery would be arrested and prosecuted.

According to him, the police would do its best to ensure that the forthcoming general election is peaceful, adding that it would continue to perform its duty as specified by the constitution of the Federal Republican of Nigeria.

“Politicians are advised to be peaceful in carrying out their electioneering activities. Let them shun all forms of violence and thuggery.

“Let them play the game according to the rule and go about their campaign peacefully and lawfully. We will, however, deal with politicians that want to engage in violence, crime or any form of thuggery.

“We will do our best to ensure that the 2023 forthcoming general election is peaceful,” he stated.

Kamaldeem commended the IGP Usman Baba and the State Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi for efforts in maintaining security in the state, saying the tempo would be sustained.

While addressing men and officers of the Command, the AIG charged them to be disciplined, respectful and shun corruption, noting that the IGP Usman Baba, has zero tolerance for corruption.

He advised them not to be biased in carrying out their lawful duties, but to relate well with members of the public, saying the police would protect the life and property of its citizens and ensure that every citizen would be able to sleep with their eyes closed.

He encouraged them to live about the board, stating that men and officers under the zone who have done well would be rewarded.

“Eradication of crime is an ongoing process, as you are aware, there will be the safety of property and life in Nigeria.

“We are working towards that to ensure that everywhere is calm and citizens are able to sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.

Kamaldeem called on security stakeholders to partner with the police and embrace the citizen-driven community policing policy of the IGP to check insecurity in the society, and bridge the gap between the police and the people.