Elections: Fear No Molestation – Police Assures Cross Riverians, Says Grave Consequences Await Perpetrators Of Violence

By Patrick Obia

The Cross River State Police Command has assured the citizens of an adequate and conducive atmosphere devoid of molestation and other security threats as they march to the polls for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Command gave the assurance in a press release made available by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo for the newly deployed Commissioner of Police – CP Aliyu Garba urging eligible voters, political parties, candidates, supporters, stakeholders, Electoral Management Body, and INEC, to step out and exercise their civic responsibilities without iota of security threats.

CP Garba noted that a water-tight security architecture has been designed and emplaced for the purposes of ensuring the safety and security of all and sundry in Cross River State.

He warned that any individual or group of persons under any guise, who may want to disrupt the elections or foment any kind of trouble to desist from such intentions because the consequences are grave, referring to a statement credited to Finland-based Simon Ekpa (allegedly acting leader of IPOB) sit-at-home order, as a mere ploy to create trepidation and dissuade people from casting their votes.

The release reads: “The newly deployed Commissioner of Police to take charge of Election Security in Cross River State Police Command, CP Aliyu Garba, psc(+), CEHF assumed duty in line with the IGP’S directives and wants to use this medium to inform Cross Riverians that, all is set, on the aspect of Security measures  for the Scheduled Presidential Election slated to hold on 25th February 2023 and Subsequent ones.

“In conjunction with all other security Agencies in the State, a water-tight security architecture has been designed and emplaced for the purposes of ensuring the safety and security of all and sundry in Cross River State.

“In view of this, CP Aliyu enjoins all political parties, candidates, supporters, stakeholders, the electorates, and Electoral Management Body, the INEC, to have assured feelings of Security and go about the discharge of their official assignments cum civic responsibilities pertaining to the elections without any fear of molestation.

“He however warns any individual or group of persons under any guise, who may want to disrupt the elections or foment any kind of trouble to desist from such intentions because the consequences are grave.

“The CP referred to the statement-making rounds ordering people to sit at home and boycott the elections, credited to Finland-based Simon Ekpa, as a mere ploy to create trepidation and dissuade people from casting their votes.

“He, therefore, urges the good citizens of Cross River State, as well as all other Nigerians residing thereto, to discountenance the threats and go out to exercise their franchise on the days fixed for the elections because their safety is doubly assured.

“Finally urged the good people of the State to divulge credible information to the Police for any suspicious move noticed within their vicinity. If you see something, say something, please.”