President is not a law enforcement officer - Prez Mills

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Parent Category: Justice & Security

Category: Defence & Security

Created on Friday, 13 April 2012 00:00

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President is not a law enforcement officer - Prez Mills

President John Mills has reminded critics that it is not his duty to physically arrest and prosecute miscreants fomenting trouble in the ongoing biometric registration exercise.

He said law enforcement agencies have been equipped and are competent enough to maintain security in the ongoing exercise.

The exercise has not been without challenges, with reports of violence recorded in some polling areas especially in Odododiodio in Accra and some constituencies in the Ashanti Region.

Some political activists, especially officials of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have accused the police of looking on whilst their members have been attacked by 'thugs' of the ruling party.

The president has not escaped criticisms. He is accused by his opponents of looking on and preaching peace whilst his aides champion violence in some constituencies.

But speaking at a durbar of chiefs in the Central Region where he is on a day’s visit to inspect the ongoing registration exercise, the president said he is not a “law enforcement officer” and has no prosecuting powers.

He said the police are in a position to perform their statutory duties without undue interference by the executive head.

President Mills said his government has provided the law enforcement agencies with the necessary equipment to provide adequate security in the registration process.

He is convinced the security personnel have acquitted themselves thus far but urged them to arrest anybody who violates the laws, irrespective of the position the person occupies.

“Nobody is above the law” he reminded the police and urged politicians not to make comments that will provoke their opponents.

“Politicians must deal with each other in an open manner and with the best of faith,” the president said.

Joy News’ Seth Kwame Boateng who was with the president reported that the place has come to a standstill with residents mobbing the president and singing.

The president was expected to visit Mankessim to inspect the registration process as well as some development projects.

From: Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com