Police to Bayelsa politicians: Don’t come to polling units with aides on election day

BY KUNLE DARAMOLA

NOVEMBER 11, 2023

Daniel Sokari-Pedro, a deputy inspector-general of police (DIG), has warned politicians in Bayelsa not to come to the polling units with their aides during the governorship election.

Saturday 11th 2023, Bayelsans will vote to elect a new governor for the state in the off-cycle election.

Speaking during a press briefing in Yenagoa, the state capital on Friday, Daniel Sokari-Pedro said politicians who are fond of moving in entourage with aides should not do so on the election day.

“I want everyone to tread with caution. The election is only a few hours away, therefore, we should give peace a chance,” he said.

“Principal politicians should not come to the polling centres with their aides. Otherwise the aides will be arrested and also the principals if they have no immunity according to the law.”

The police chief also warned politicians in the state to stop making inflammatory statements that may “charge up the already tense atmosphere.”

“Pre-election complains should not be used as a gauge to judge police preparedness,” he said.

“And that should not in anyway dictate the election which has not even taken place. Whenever such complains come, we will surely investigate them.

“I want to appeal to all politicians that they should stop condemning the police when election has not even taken place.

“Politicians are charging the already tense atmosphere by making inflammatory statements.”