The Assistant Inspector General of police in charge of Zone 1, AIG Tambari Yabo Muhammad, on Monday shed light on President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the zone and how he mobilised officers to avert an attack during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign rally in Katsina State about two weeks ago.
The AIG, who is in charge Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states police commands, which fall under Zone 1, spoke during a workshop for police officers on how to ensure violence-free elections.
“I received information that some thugs had gathered at the roundabout leading to the stadium where the campaign would take place, I decided to go there and assess the situation myself. On reaching the scene, I saw the thugs carrying all sorts of weapons. If the president’s convoy had passed through that area at that moment, anything could have happened. But I personally persuaded the thugs to drop their weapons. I even took away some of the weapons myself”, he said.
Muhammad also cautioned the youth against carrying weapons, saying anybody caught would be arrested and prosecuted.
“Remember human rights are not absolute. Your rights stop the moment you infringe on the rights of others. When you slap somebody or r*pe someone’s daughter, you have also lost your right but police officers should always follow legal procedures in tackling problems”, he said.
At the workshop, police personnel were also warned against receiving gifts of food or drinks from politicians or members of the public during elections so as to avoid being poisoned.
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