ELECTION VIOLENCE: IGP ORDERS CPS TO GIVE EVIDENCE AT FG PANEL

The Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, yesterday ordered commissioners of police (CPs) in states affected by election violence, including Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Borno, Kano and Katsina to appear and give evidence before the panel of inquiry set up to investigate the crisis by the Federal Government.

He mandated CPs of the affected states of the post-election violence to prepare detailed investigation reports on the crisis and testify before the panel.

In another development, Ringim also paraded four notorious kidnappers/armed robbery syndicate including their kingpin, Emmanuel Nnamdi Joseph Ebulu, alias Stone, who was described as 'the most wanted person by the police.'

The notorious criminals including Chidi Udochi, Chukwuma Anueze, Igwe Okechukwu Gift and the kingpin, Emmanuel Nnamdi, alias Stone, according to the IGP, were arrested on April 25 at Ikot Osundu in Ikot Abasi Local Government in Akwa Ibom State during one of their operations.

In addition, the IG further said the police was determined to combat the menace of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram in the North-eastern part of the country.

Addressing senior officers at a briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, Ringim lauded the police for its feat during the polls, noting that no policeman was fingered for involvement in electoral malpractices.

Ringim also appreciated the efforts of other sister security organisations that collaborated with the police and sought for greater cooperation in the future.

The IG frowned at lack of ovation from the media, pointing out that the press had refused to acknowledge the roles of the police in making the election credible and successful.

He explained that he had been vindicated by his impartial roles during the exercise, stressing that he had proved wrong those that believed he was appointed to rig the election in favour of the president.

'The President had drummed it into my ears that he won't condone any act inimical to the transparent conduct of the elections. He said he would abide by the outcome of the elections; if he wins, he would be happy, if he loses, he would be happy. That principle guided us,' Ringim stated.

The police boss enjoined his men to be more dedicated to work, adding that more elections would be conducted in the future and according to him, he expected them to perform better in such national assignments.