Police warn politicians against using thugs for campaigns, hoteliers sheltering criminals

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Nigeria Police Force has warned that hoteliers in Akwa Ibom State that offer their hotels as hideouts for criminals will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.

Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone Six Headquarters, Calabar, Kamaldeen Kola Okunlola, issued the warning during a familiarisation tour of Akwa Ibom State Police Command in Uyo.

The AIG, who vowed to fight crime to a standstill within, said the warning was in line with Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba’s zero-crime policy for a safer society.

He advised hoteliers and others in the hospitality industry in the state to be mindful of whom they offer their services towards preventing crime in society, especially as 2023 election activities heighten.

He noted that the police would protect life and property of citizens and ensure that every citizen slept without fear.

“Eradication of crime is an ongoing process, there will be the safety of property and life in Nigeria. We are working towards ensuring that everywhere is calm and citizens are able to sleep with two eyes closed.”

The AIG commended the state Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, for reducing the crime rate to its lowest in the state, and urged him to sustain the tempo.

He told politicians to shun the use of thugs and other forms of crime usually perpetrated during elections.

Rather than engage in criminal acts, he urged them to be peaceful in their activities.

“Politicians are advised to be peaceful in carrying out their activities. Let them shun all forms of violence and thuggery.

“Let them play the game according to the rule and go about their campaign peacefully and lawfully. We will deal with politicians that want to engage in violence, crime or any form of thuggery,” he warned.

The police boss also advised the public to work in synergy with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in their various localities, and report promptly any suspicious person or movement in their environment to the police.

“The resolve of all police formations under my command, as handed down by the IGP, is to ensure a zero-crime environment now, during and after the general elections in the country.

“We will ensure that is done as part of our responsibility to ensure a crime-free environment for the conduct of all political activities in the interest of the society and for every citizen to sleep well, go about his or her legitimate businesses without fear of attack by anybody.”

Addressing men and officers of the command, Okunlola charged them to be disciplined, respectful and shun corruption, stressing that the IGP had zero tolerance for corruption.

In his response, the state Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, said the visit had boosted the morale of men and officers in the command in the discharge of the duties.

Highlights of the event were the meeting with security stakeholders in the state and the laying of the foundation for the IGP Usman Baba Conference Hall.

Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Akwa Ibom State, Uloma Umogunke, commended Durosinmi’s effort in crime control, saying that the Commission had enjoyed a cordial relationship with the command.

Head of Hausa community in the state, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki, observed that there had been positive changes in the security apparatus in the state, attributing it to the zero tolerance of crime by the IGP.

Also, a member of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in the state, MacPherson Okonna, commended the police in the state for reducing the response time in emergency cases, saying the development had boosted the public confidence in the command’s drive to check criminality in the state.