Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has warned that anyone caught impersonating by wearing army or police uniforms on election day will be arrested and prosecuted by the law enforcement agencies.
He has also said similar action awaits those found with cloned Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in attempt to corrupt the electoral process.
The governor’s warning came as the state government said it was aware some disgruntled politicians were boasting of using federal might to provide “immunity” to some youths who were allegedly being recruited to perpetrate criminality through possession of fake PVCs and impersonating as army and police officers on duty on election -day.
In a statement by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor made it clear that anyone who may harbour such intention should think twice as the law enforcement agencies have been placed on red alert to deal ruthlessly with them, noting that nobody is above the law to commit crime.
“Nobody is above the law, including those who go about boasting that they have federal might. The security agencies have been placed on red alert to arrest anyone caught with cloned PVCs and those who may impersonate the police or army under the guise of providing security on election- day.
“They will be fished out and treated as criminals. This warning is particularly directed at the youths because at the end of the day, your so-called political god father, no matter how powerful and his boast of having federal might, will not be able to save you”, he stated.
The statement urged Bayelsans not to be intimidated by threats of violence and disruption of the peace during the election,noting that it was aware of reports that some desperate politicians were issuing threats to the people with the sole aim of scaring them from coming out to vote but assured the people that adequate security will be provided throughout the state on the election day.
“We urge our people to discountenance such threats because there will be enough security on the election- day. Come out and cast your vote and after voting wait and stand firm to protect your vote. Nobody can come and intimidate you in your own community.
“We assure you that your votes will count. We are Ijaw people and we have never been conquered. Stand firm and protect your votes. We are for peaceful and credible polls.
“We have the assurances of President Muhammadu Buhari and the various heads of security agencies that adequate security will be provided to guarantee peaceful polls.
“The international community and all the relevant agencies will be here to ensure that nothing untoward happens. As a government, we will continue to preach peace and we call on all to join hands with us to work with INEC and the various security agencies to deliver a free, fair and credible election”.
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