Abuja -The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, has solicited the cooperation of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in ensuring security during the forthcoming general elections.
Abba made the appeal in Abuja when he met with the National President of the union, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, Zonal and the 36 state executives of the union.
“We believe that you are a very strategic partner in the 2015 general elections, particularly in the provision of security or in assisting the police in playing its role.
“You are one of the unions that has been contributing to the security and safety of members of the public.
“It is the practice all over the world that those involved in the business of transportation contribute in assisting law enforcement agencies to keep the society safe and secured,’’ he said.
The I-G, therefore, called on the union to sensitise its members to the need to avoid any activity that would lead to violence before, during and after the elections.
“I am not speaking for INEC, if they find it necessary to make use of your services, please ensure that you do not bring those that will undermine the process.
“If that happens, it will not only be detrimental to the election but it will also affect the integrity of the union,’’ he said.
Abba also appealed to the union to assist security agencies in identifying persons with tendency to cause violence during election and report same to law enforcement agents for prompt action.
He warned that any member of the union who was involved in thuggery during election would face the full weight of the law.
“The NURTW is one of the most respected, most organised unions in this country today.
“We will also use this opportunity to draw your attention to the fact that those members who are susceptible to being recruited into thuggery require your caution.
“Activities of the union on election days should not be extended to the polling units. Remember the law forbids a lot of activities around the polling units on election days,’’ he said.
Responding, Yasin assured the police that the union would work with it in providing security to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
“We will not be partisan. We will not let the union down,’’ he said.
Yasin also assured the I-G that members of the union across the country would immediately be sensitised to the need to refrain from acts that could lead to violence throughout the election.
He disclosed that the NURTW would meet with the chairman of INEC on Thursday in respect of movement of election materials.
