President Muhammadu Buhari has issued a warning to political thugs and anyone planning to rig the forthcoming election on Saturday, to avoid making such moves, in order not to endanger their lives, as he has ordered security agent not to be merciful on any one found guilt.
The President, made this statement while speaking at an emergency caucus meeting of his ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, adding that Nigeria’s security and defense forces are under clear instructions to deal ruthlessly with election riggers.
According to him, “I do not expect anybody to make any disturbance. I have briefed the law enforcement agencies and the military to identify hotpots, flash points; they should be prepared to move.
They too would have made their own arrangements as possible and resources provided as much as the country can afford it.
“Anybody who decides to snatch ballot boxes or lead thugs to disturb it (elections) maybe that would be the last unlawful action he would take. I have directed the police and the military to be ruthless.
“We are not going to be blamed that we want to rig elections. I want Nigerians to be respected, let them vote whoever they want across the parties. I’m not afraid. As you said, I have gone round all the 36 states and Abuja. I think I have got enough support across the country.
“I am going to warn anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch boxes or to disturb the voting system, he would do it at the expense of his own life.”
The President, while expressing is disappointment at the postponement of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, also revealed that the electoral umpire cannot take Nigerians for granted.
He also added that, immediately after the general elections, the commission must answer for its “incompetence”.