Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, warned perpetrators of electoral violence to steer clear of Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The police boss, who gave the warning during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa, said security agencies were ready and duty-bound to ensure credible polls in the state and that troublemakers would be made to face the full weight of the law.

He explained that his visit was in respect of the election and assured neutrality of the police.

While calling on Bayelsans to have confidence in the police, he emphasised that increased deployment of police personnel in the state was to forestall any violence during the poll.

The IGP thanked Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa for his support to the state’s police command and assured him of adequate security before, during and after the election.

Egbetokun said: “Your Excellency, you are aware that the election is just four days away. I assure you that the police, with the assistance of other security agencies, will provide adequate security for the election on November 11.

“In Bayelsa and the other two states, where the election will be taking place, I say with confidence that the police and other security agencies have taken a position to be neutral in this election.

“However, those with criminal intention to disrupt the election in Bayelsa will meet our men on the ground. They will have the whole of us to contend with.”

Responding, Diri said the IGP’s pledge to provide adequate security for the election was an added advantage to the peace and security in the state.

On the call by the police boss on Diri to appeal to his party’s supporters to be non-violent, the governor responded that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and supporters were the most peaceful in the build-up to the election.

He said his government and Bayelsans were ready to support the police to achieve zero violence during the poll.