Police Launch Manhunt for Politicians Attempting to Scuttle Inauguration

The Nigeria Police Force made a statement to  launch a manhunt for politicians, who are allegedly plotting to scuttle the forthcoming inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima.

Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, disclosed this at a press briefing at Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday. He said the operation was being carried out in collaboration with  intelligence officials and other security agencies.

“Following the successful conclusion of the 2023 General elections, it has been observed that some major political actors that the outcome did not favour, have been issuing public threats that are directed at instigating actions to frustrate the Presidential inauguration ceremony on 29th May, 2023”, he said.

According to Baba, the development is important to tame subversive elements who had been trying to destabilize the peaceful environment currently being enjoyed in the country.

Baba said “Following the successful conclusion of the 2023 General elections, it has been observed that some major political actors that the outcome did not favour, have been issuing public threats that are directed at instigating actions to frustrate the Presidential inauguration ceremony on 29th May, 2023.

The Nigeria Police and the national intelligence community have been closely monitoring the activities of these political elites as well as other elements who are interested in subverting national security interests.

Baba stated that the beauty of democracy is not just citizens freedom to exercise their franchise, it is also hinged on the right of aggrieved political actors to submit grievances on the electoral outcome to the judicial process for consideration.

However, he said that the security agencies would no longer tolerate any utterance capable of throwing the country into a turmoil, adding that any political actor who does not heed to the warning will be made to face the wrath of law.

The police chief called for the sustenance of peace and security, which is even more expedient at this stage in our national democratic transition.

Baba added that while the Nigeria Police, in synergy with other security agencies and the intelligence community, continues to closely monitor the activities of these political elements, he warns all political actors with subversive agenda or premeditated attempts to create tension within the national space with intention of derailing the 29th May 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.

Also, he said “anyone regardless of their political affiliations who continuously engages in acts that are inimical to our nation’s democratic and security interests should not be in doubt on the firm determination of the Nigeria Police under my watch to closely collaborate with the law enforcement family and the intelligence community to defend our democracy, keep the internal security order stable and optimally deploy our common unique assets towards guaranteeing the successful conduct of the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.”