Stay away from Ekiti, police warns thugs

Ahead of the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti, the police on Tuesday warned political thugs to leave the state or risk imprisonment. Mr Felix Nyanna, the new Commissioner of Police in the state, gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti at a stakeholders’ meeting. Nyanna, who said that the command was battle ready to combat any act of violence, added that the warning was also directed at sponsors of thugs. The police boss said leaders of political parties in the state might soon be compelled to sign an undertaking not to promote violence or use thugs. Nyanna also urged parties and their aspirants not to embark on any form of rally or campaign without first giving at least 72 hours notice to the command. He said even when permission for such forum was granted, those involved must refrain from the use of foul language and direct attacks on candidates of other parties. Nyanna advised that such notice to the police must contain the correct names of places where the rally or campaign would take place and time of the event. The police boss, who pledged to be impartial, gave an assurance that the command would provide a level playing ground for all stakeholders. “I am not here to favour anybody or party; all I am here to do is to secure lives and property as well as maintain peace at all times,” he said.