The Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Oqua Etim, has issued a warning to all aides and escorts of high-profile figures not to go to the polls with their principals and other politicians because doing so will result in harsh disciplinary action from the command.
Etim announced this in advance of the state’s upcoming elections for the governor and state House of Assembly.
He said, “The idea is to ensure all citizens freely participate in the electoral process devoid of intimidation, harassment or fear. So, all VIP security aides must refrain from accompanying their principals on Election Day.”
The police commissioner went on to say that the order will guarantee a safe, secure, and favorable atmosphere for the exercise to be conducted without incident.
“The command wishes to once again enjoin all eligible electorates to be law-abiding and turn out to exercise their franchise,” he added.
Etim emphasized that any group without the support of the law is permitted to operate as well, noting that vigilante and hunter groups were exempt from the decree.
“Those affected in the warning are quasi security outfits such as vigilante groups, hunters, security outfits, and any other voluntary organisation, without legal backing should not form part of the exercise, as such anyone found in uniform flouting this directive will be arrested and arraigned before the court during the forthcoming elections,” he added.
