LAGOS MARCH 5TH (URHOBOTODAY)- Hamiiru Argungu, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 5, has alleged that some politicians in Bayelsa, Edo and Delta States were plotting to throw the Niger Delta region into a state of anarchy ahead of the 2015 elections. He made the claim against the backdrop of worsening insecurity in Bayelsa where kidnap incidents and other violent crimes have been on the rise in recent weeks.
President Goodluck Jonathan’s foster father was recently kidnapped and remains in the custody of kidnappers who are demanding a N500 million ransom to free him Mr. Argungu, who failed to provide any proof for his allegation, simply asserted that those he referred to as “elements” were within the states, adding that the faceless plotters were capable of threatening security and safety of those living in the area. Mr. Argungu, who was accompanied by the Bayelsa State Police Commissioner, Hillary Okpara, told representatives of political parties and the Conference of the Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) that the failure of the police to act quickly in order to stop the plotters’ activities would result in anarchy. Addressing his audience at the State Police Headquarters in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, the AIG warned the political class to be mindful of the existence of elements whose activities could throw the country into anarchy.
“You are all aware that the security of life and property is a major factor to our collective well being, and that this for all intent and purposes cannot be compromised,” he said. He added, “To do so will mean an invitation to anarchy. However, events in recent times have shown that there are elements within our society who for selfish interests are engaging in activities capable of threatening security and public safety which we all crave for.” Stating that democracy cannot flourish in an atmosphere of insecurity and threat to security, Mr. Argungu implored representatives of political parties to play the political game by the rules.
He announced that the police command had directed the commissioner of police to heighten surveillance over the activities of some politicians in the region to ensure that they do not engage in activities that threaten peace and security. The AIG assured the political leaders and people of the zone of the preparedness of the police for the 2015 elections. He disclosed that interactive sessions as well as training workshops would be used to bring the police personnel up to date on the provisions of the relevant sections of the electoral Act and the Constitution on the involvement of police in the conduct of party primaries, meetings, elections and announcement of results. In his contribution, Tonye Okio, the representative of the Bayelsa State chairman of the All Progressives Coalition (APC), noted that the police had played questionable roles in past elections. He counseled the police to act fairly in the 2015 election, drawing attention to the peculiarity of the state as President Jonathan’s home state. He suggested that any past practices of fraud and intimidation should be checked.
Source: Saharareporters