Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Diipo Ayeni

By Seriki Adinoyi

To ensure a violence-free senatorial by-election in Plateau North district this Saturday, Plateau Police Command has read riot acts to citizens, and placing 24 hours restriction to movements, starting from midnight Friday to midnight Saturday.

The state Commissioner of Police and Chairman, Interagency Consultative Committee on the election Security, Mr. Emmanuel Diipo Ayeni also warned against under-age voting, adding that those bent on causing trouble during the election should be ready to face the wrath of the law.

Ayeni, also warned against carrying of dangerous weapons.

On his part, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr.Habu  Zarama said that arrangements have been completed for the conduct of the election.

He said the over 1,55,903 credible voters are expected to participate in the election and that six  political parties have been registered for the  senatorial elections, while three parties filed in candidates for House of Assembly election in Barkin Ladi local government area.

According to his break down, the election will be conducted in 6 Local Government Areas, 73 registration Areas, and 1212 polling units Bassa;118,686, Barkin Ladi; 102,555, Jos North; 427,856, Jos South; 287,019, Riyom; 67,294, Jos East; 52,492 eligible voters. He said ad hoc staff have been recruited and are currently undergoing training.

On those displaced as a result of the crises, the INEC boss said arrangement will be made for staff to follow them to their camps, but said those who lost the voters’ cards should exercise patience for subsequent elections.
Also, the state Commissioner of Information, Mr. Abraham Yiljab said the state Governor Jonah Jang has warned against rigging, and denied insinuations that the party was using too much money for campaigns.