Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Danmallam has warned trouble makers in the state to steer clear during the local government polls in the state or face the full weight of the law.

The state Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) had fixed November 4 for the conduct of Local Government elections across the 17 council areas and 260 political wards of the state.

Danmallam gave the warning during an interactive meeting between the Police, political parties and ENSIEC held in Enugu on Thursday.

He noted that the Police would not tolerate any act of violence from any political party; adding that “the existing peace in the state is sacrosanct to the police.”

“Be warned that the command under my watch will not tolerate ballot box snatching, political thuggery and any form of violence that will lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

“Be rest assured that we are going to make arrest and anybody found wanting would be taken to court as soon as possible to answer for his or her misdeeds.

“So, be warned that the Police and other sister security agencies will not tolerate any act capable of causing breach of the law in the state,” he warned.

The Commissioner, however, assured the good people of the state to go out en-mass and exercise their franchise and civic responsibility by voting the candidates of their choice.

“I am assuring the peaceful people of the state that the Police and other sister security agencies are on ground 24/7 before, during and after the election.

“Do not entertain any fear or allow anybody to intimidate you as a huge number of security agencies both on uniform and plain-clothes will be around in all nook and crannies of the state,” he assured.

He called on political parties to tame any perceived excesses of their members and followers as the Police and other sister security agencies would not tolerate any unruly behaviour or electoral malpractice.

Responding, the state Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Ben Nwoye assured the Commissioner that his party would always maintain the discipline it had been noted for.

Nwoye said that the APC had been reputed for following due process and rule of law, adding: “We are assuring you that as the campaigns had remained peaceful so far, so also the election proper will be.”

He, however, decried the recent development of ENSIEC disqualifying 73 of the party’s candidate, stating: “I appeal to the Commissioner of Police to use his good office to appeal to ENSIEC boss to do the right thing.”

Also speaking, Chief Austin Nnamani, state Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that his party would abide by all electoral guidelines and norms.

“PDP is always peaceful in Enugu State and we will remain so by abiding by the rules of the game.

“I will confess to you that till now, notwithstanding various political campaigns ongoing in the state, we do not have any issue with any other party in the state,” Nnamani said.

Highlight of the meeting was the signing of the peace and exemplary conduct bond by the political parties and ENSIEC.

About 20 political parties signed the bond, which was administered by the Police Commissioner.