In an attempt to deny report of interception of a trailer loaded with Ballot papers thumb printed in favour of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Bauchi Police command ended up throwing more lights into the incidence.
The command started by describing the report as unsubstantiated, unfounded and misleading and capable of causing disharmony among political parties in the state.
However, the command’s spokesman, DSP Mohammed Haruna admitted in a statement that the command, on the 20/12/2014 at about 08:30am intercepted the Trailer following Intelligence report that a Trailer IVECO with registration number XE-784-ABJ was conveying a Container loaded with empty plastic Ballot boxes, property of Independent National electoral commission (INEC) to its North East office in Gombe State. That the trailer was intercepted by Police men on tactical operations point attached to Darazo Division.
He then went on to say: “attention of Bauchi Police Command had been drawn to an unsubstantiated rumour in the Social media that a Lorry conveying Electoral materials was intercepted this morning by security personnel and that it contains presidential ballot papers all voted in favour of PDP.Such rumour was not only misleading but a figment of the imagination of mischief makers who want to cause Disharmony among the peace loving Citizens of Bauchi State in particular and the Nation at Large.”
The police statement has only confirmed the report that the trailer was loaded with ballot boxes, saying: “The fact in issue is that on the 20/12/2014 at about 08:30hrs,following Intelligence report, a Trailer IVECO with registration number XE-784-ABJ was conveying a Container loaded with Empty plastic Ballot boxes, property of Independent National electoral commission (INEC) to its North East office in Gombe State. It was intercepted by Police men on tactical operations point attached to Darazo Division.”
The Trailer, according to him, was off loaded and thoroughly searched in the presence of press and Party representatives, but nothing incriminating was found apart from 314 cartons of empty Plastic ballot boxes which corresponded with the Way bill clearance issued by the Nigeria Custom Service.
DSP Haruna appealed to members of the Public to disregard the rumour and go about their lawful business as the Command is working tirelessly to ensure safety and security in the State
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