Olu Samuel, Lokoja

THE Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has to appealed to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Dr. Kayode Egbetokun to conduct proper investigations into some cases of Pre-election violence and ensure that culprits are brought to book.

The governor made the appeal when he received the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun who was in the state on a special visit regarding the November 11governoship election.

He said that criminals must not be allowed to operate freely, noting that some offenders after perpetrating certain acts of crimes and criminalities run to the police to cry as victims.

The governor while emphasising that conclusive investigation should be conducted added that going by the records, those who have been evading police invitation and those that have been alleged to have killed political supporters including women and youths, should be the prime suspect of the police force.

He noted that the APC’s government under his leadership have performed at all levels beyond the imagination of the citizen hence the APC is not afraid of the election. The Governor added ‘’If you are winning an election, you don’t need to engage in violence and as a party we are confident that we will win free and square as long as the polls is violent free’’.

The governor said in his over 7 years leadership and from the records of the Police, Kogi state which was previously an hotbed in and out of political season have experienced peace and tranquility.

He said opposition party in the state were the ones identified with violent dispositions narrating that during his second term re election bid, while the APC conducted a free and fair primary election, the congress and primary election of the opposition party witnessed massive and sporadic shooting.

He therefore called on the operatives of the Nigerian Police and other sister agencies to ensure adherence to professional conduct during the November 11, polls noting that his party the All Progressive Congress in Kogi state, holds a track record of peaceful electioneering.

While giving kudos to the security operatives working in the state for their dedication and professionalism, he noted that the accolades his administration have received were as a result of the professionalism and cordial relationship, between the government, the police and other security agencies in the state adding that his government intends to build on this legacy.

Governor Bello expressed that citizens of Kogi state, especially those who are supporters of the party, will be law abiding in this election adding that the gubernatorial polls will emerge the most peaceful among the other three states holding the off season elections.

The IGP in his remarks said the the police alongside other security operatives are fully prepared to conduct a free and fair election and are committed to a peaceful poll while he urged political actors not burn down the state because of one election.

He said ‘’My appeal is that we should all act according to the law during this election. On our path, the police will be prompt in neutralising any act of violence during the election and will respond to every act of violation swiftly. These are our commitments and we are going to discharge our duties responsibly and effectively’’

Mr. Egbetokun hinted that few cases of pre election violence have been recorded which the police are not happy about hence they are taking necessary precautions to prevent further violence before, during and after the election.

While he thanked the governor for his efforts in keeping Kogi state safe, the IGP mentioned that a recent incident which occurred on Wednesday in Anyingba. He however assured that the matter is being investigated.

Although not conclusive, it seems to me like an operational error, but investigation will reveal what happened. I want to assure that police will be neutral and will do their job in the election, he noted.