The Lagos state police command, under the commissioner of police, has held a joint stakeholders meeting with the 18 political parties and key security agencies in the state.
In his welcome address, the CP said that the hallmark of any true democracy is the conduction of elections to be free,safe and fair. He said it is a collaborative effort by both political parties,their candidates and security agencies to ensure that all electoral vices like violence,vote buying and thuggery are shunned. There would be zero tolerance for any form of electoral malfeasance that would be perpetrated by politicians and non-state actors alike.
( Track up CP Alabi)
The moderator of the event, PRO Lagos state Ben Hundeyin, called on the participants to give inputs,air their views and ask questions on any possible discrepancies on their concerns regarding the forthcoming elections.
(Track up Ben Hundeyin)
The political participants spoke on their willingness to embrace peace throughout and after elections although, for most of the parties,security and adequate sensitization of the voters was the major issue to be dealt with. They decried the use of thugs and intimidation on them by the ruling party and unfairness on the part of the state government to allow them freely put up posters,billboards and other campaign material.
In response, the heads of the key security agencies said that they have the mandate to give adequate security and ensure safety to both voters and political candidates.
The CP said that all the political parties in Lagos, were to be commended on their conduct for playing politics with a mature attitude and he said that if they witnessed any acts of vandalism and intimidation, they should report and a swift response would be given to the matter.
PRO Ben Hundeyin released the commands hot lines for any complaints.
