Ahmed cautions troublemakers against crisis in Kwara

Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed has cautioned troublemakers to stay away from the state before, during and after the elections or risk the full wrath of the law, as he vowed to crackdown on illegal voting with security agencies.

Ahmed, who gave the warning during a meeting of the Kwara State Security Committee, said he has got assurances from heads of security and paramilitary agencies of their readiness to curb any threats to free elections by any individual or group.Stressing that elections in Kwara State are usually peaceful, Ahmed said the state government was ready to provide logistics support required by security agencies to maintain law and order, as well as protect lives and property during the polls.

The governor, who is also chairman of the committee, therefore, urged residents to turn out in their numbers on Saturday to exercise their civic obligations to elect leaders of their choice, as security agencies in partnership with the state government would guarantee their safety and security.

He urged the people of Kwara not to panic at the presence of security agents deployed for election duties, as he had been assured that they would be professional, fair and law-abiding in discharging their duties.

Ahmed also urged all eligible voters to comply with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s regulations on the conduct of the elections.He stressed that voters should be orderly at the polling booths and use card readers for authentication, as security agencies would be on hand to assist INEC in enforcing electoral rules.The Security Committee Meeting was attended by Commissioner of Police (CP), Kayode Egbetokun, Acting Brigade Commander, Sobi, Col. A Egbejule, heads of Navy and Air Force, among others.