Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has shared a firm commitment to prosecute all individuals involved in the violent incidents that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, regardless of their political affiliations.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House, the Minister confirmed that video evidence of the attacks has been handed over to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for immediate action.
“I have spoken to the IGP firmly on all the happenings of Ablekuma North, and the videos have been forwarded to him. We’ve instructed him to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to book”.
The Minister emphasized that wrongdoing will not be condoned, whether committed by members of the ruling party or opposition.
“We are not going to condone wrongdoing, whether it involves people from within our party or from outside”.
He also invoked the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), warning that political thuggery would be met with the full force of the law.
“All infractions will be treated as criminal offenses, and anyone found flouting the law, irrespective of who they are, will be dealt with accordingly”.
The rerun, held on July 11, was disrupted by violent scenes, including an assault on a journalist and clashes at polling stations.
The Minister confirmed that the police officer involved in the assault has been identified, and efforts are underway to apprehend other culprits.
“We know where he is, we know where we can find him, and we can easily go after him”.
Despite challenges in tracking some suspects, the Minister assured the public that justice will prevail.
“The assurance is that we are not going to allow this to go unpunished. The law will have to take its course”.
“We must all contribute our quota in ensuring that we live peacefully with each other regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, or economic or social status”.
