Nigeria warns trouble makers ahead of governorship polls

Police authorities in Nigeria on Wednesday issued warning to citizens that may attempt to foment trouble before, during and after the nationwide governorship election slated for Saturday, saying acts of impunity will not be tolerated during the exercise.

In a statement, the national police headquarters said persons arrested for trouble making would face the unpleasant consequences as stern measures have been mapped out to stop trouble makers in their tracks.

"The police high command has further identified flash points in some geopolitical zones, and has devised strategies to address all issues of safety and security as concerns the election," said the statement signed by Emmanuel Ojukwu, national police spokesman. According to the statement, the security agency will go any length to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring a hitch-free governorship and state congresses polls on Saturday.

Last week, at least 67 persons were arrested and arraigned for their alleged involvement in electoral offenses during the March 28 presidential and national assembly elections in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kano.

The local police said the suspects were apprehended at various locations during the elections. Their offenses included breaching of peace and snatching of ballot papers during the national polls.

Officials said some weapons such as knives, swords, sticks, machete, bows and arrows were recovered from the suspects. Endi