The Ekiti State Police Command has vowed to deal with any politician bent on causing violence ahead of the July 14 governorship election.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello Ahmed, said the warning became necessary as various political parties had already started their campaigns toward the election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission announced that 40 political parties are fielding candidates for the election.
Among the candidates are the Minister of Mines and Power, Dr Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressive Congress, and the incumbent deputy governor of the state, Professor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Ahmed said the police under his command were determined to ensure that there was peace ahead of the election, saying his men were ready to protect lives and property of the citizens.
He enjoined politicians, especially the candidates in the election, to caution their supporters to shun violence as they crisscross the state to campaign.
Ahmed also called on the traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state to help in the campaign against violence before, during and after the July 14 election.
He said the police would carry out their duties in a mature way, stressing that they had been equipped and trained on how to relate peacefully with politicians and the electorate.
He said the mission of the police was to ensure that the peace of the state is not truncated.
“ We will not tolerate hooliganism. The peace being enjoyed in the state will be preserved. Election is not synonymous with violence and we urge politicians not to be violent. Free and fair election is only possible when there is peace,” Ahmed implored.
