2023 POLLS: POLICE ASSURE POLITICAL PARTIES OF LEVEL PLAYING GROUND IN ABIA

REPORTER: LAWRENCE NWOKEDI

Politicians have been urged to ensure that they play politics according to the rules of engagement.

The newly promoted Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Mrs. Janet Agbede, gave the charge while addressing political party stakeholders in Umuahia.

She assured all the political parties participating in the 2023 general election of adequate level playing ground from the Police before and during the election.

Mrs. Agbede stated that Police would collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies towards making the 2023 general election a free, fair and peaceful poll.

She pointed out that no politicians would be allowed to use armed security personnel during the election period.

Also, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Betbel warned politicians not to engage in destruction of bill boards and posters of their opponents.

He urged them to shun all forms of hate speeches against their political opponents and the use of thugs during campaigns and elections, threatening that anyone caught would be arrested and prosecuted.

In their separate contributions, the Chairman Labour Party who is also the Chairman Inter-Parties Advisory Council (IPAC), Abia State, Mr. Ceekay Igara, and a representative of the Chairman the All Progressive Congress (APC) Abia State, Mr. Uwakwe Oke, commended the Police for organizing the forum and called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that they played their role as unbiased umpire during election.

Over ten political parties attended the meeting.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU