Politicians Can’t Intimidate Us, INEC Assures Nigerians

The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has guaranteed Nigerians that it would tolerate zero intimidation from politicians bent on undermining or disrupting the 2019 general elections.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, who made the statement at the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi, Monday, said the commission has declared its resolve to work closely with the Police to ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible.

Yilwatda also said the commission would avail all the parties and their candidates a level playing field in the exercise.

Newsmen, however, reported that the state police Commissioner, Ene Okon, warned that the Police would not hesitate to arrest any politician caught encouraging thuggery and violence during the electioneering period.

Okon, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Tunji Akingbola, the Commissioner said: “We will strictly enforce the Public Order Act, now Federal Act and anything or act by politicians or their proxy that would lead to a break of law and order would be decisively dealt with by the Police.

“Anyone caught defacing posters and billboards of opponent or engaging in hate speech or other actions or acts that could generate unnecessary political heat or cause serious problem to public order would obviously be made to face the law.

“With the elections 89 days away, campaigns should be issues based, peaceful and devoid of all acts that could jeopardise the peaceful conduct of the elections.”