Ahead of the September 19 governorship election in Edo state, the Nigeria Police Force has assured of peaceful and violence-free conduct of the election.
The police at a stakeholder meeting comprising security agencies, political parties, and others said security agencies will be tough on those who will foment trouble before, during, and after the election.
It is less than three weeks to Edo State governorship election and political parties are in top gear to get support from voters through campaigns.
This has not been without a level of violence and intimidation by contending parties creating fears that the election may be marred with violence.
But the Nigeria police led by the Assistant Inspector General of Police zone five Benin at a stakeholders meeting to chart a way for a peaceful atmosphere during the election is assuring of a hitch free, violence free, and credible election.
While noting the significant roles of key players in the task of ensuring a violence-free poll, the AIG also identified unemployment, poverty, and get rich quick syndrome as factors contributing to continuous violence during elections.
He also noted the role of late arrival of voting materials during election and wants Independent National Electoral Commission to up its game and ensure that adequate logistics and electoral materials arrive polling units at least seven hours before the commencement of voting.
Stakeholders including political parties, traditional leaders, and the clergy said they are supporting the police and other security agencies in the fight to end election violence.
The police assured more engagements with key players before the September 19 election in the state.