The Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba, on Thursday urged Nigerians to go home and not stay back to protect their votes at the polling booths come April 11.
Abba disclosed this during a briefing organised by INEC with accredited observers for the 2015 general election. He said enough police officers will be deployed around polling booths across the country to protect the votes of Nigerian.
He said, “Two to three police officers will be attached to each polling unit, and we would provide more officers for the collation centres and for the managers of the elections”
“We will go on to protect the electorate. Every eligible voter should feel safe enough to cast his votes. We will be there to protect the votes and make sure no one disrupts the process.”
The Police boss urged electorates to go back home after performing their civic duty and not to hang around the polling booth. Abba said, “Cast your votes and go and cool down. If you remain there, there is likelihood that you will commit an offence.
“Asking voters to wait and protect their votes implies taking the law into their own hands. That is unacceptable.”
He also called on political parties to respect the electoral act, which states that only one agent is allowed in a polling unit.
Abba further urged those vying for electoral position to either accept the results when announced or seek redress at the judicial court of law.
He warned that violence and thuggery would not be condoned during or after the elections, adding that the police force will ensure it apprehends and prosecute perpetrators.
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