Police say Akwa Ibom politicians have filled state with thugs

Bashir Makama, commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom state, has accused politicians of importing thugs into the state to disrupt the general election.

Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political stakeholders in Uyo, the state capital, Makama asked the residents to report any suspected political thug to the police in order to ensure a peaceful election.

The police commissioner also denied working with any political party to undermine the elections.

“I want to urge all Akwa Ibom people to be peaceful and accept the opinion of others and do it in line with laid down procedures,” Makama said.

“If there is a peaceful and credible election, the votes of the people will speak for itself.

“Political parties have filled the state with thugs and if you can identify them, your responsibility should be to report so that something can be done about it but if you have the information and you do not report, nothing can be done.

“When I first came to Akwa Ibom, I was accused of partnering with a political party. I want to make it clear that our duty is to serve the people of Akwa Ibom.”

On Monday, the police had paraded suspected political thugs who were arrested in connection with the violence in Obot-Akara local government area of the state.

The incident which happened on Saturday claimed two lives, while 13 vehicles were burnt.