Gombe Police Command warn politicians against violence in 2023
By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
As parts of effort to ensure that elections take place in a safe and conducive atmosphere, the tasks of securing the Electoral process, before, during and after the election rest squarely with the police, as the lead agency in election security.
Therefore, it becomes apparent given the unwholesome atmosphere of electoral violence occasioned by the use of political thugs and miscreants to foment trouble, disruptions, crimes and disorderliness by desperate and unguarded politicians in order to win elections by all possible
means.
In Gombe State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ishola Babatunde Babaita has made it clear to all relevant stakeholders in the state that Gombe State Police Command is part of the Inspector – General of Police deliberate efforts to ensure that all activities of Nigeria Police before, during and after 2023 General Elections are in conformity with the Electoral Act,2022.
This, the CP pointed out, in Gombe, to all the politicians irrespective of political affiliations in the state as the only way for a transparent, accountable partnership between the politicians, Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) and relevant stakeholders for a rancor – free political campaigns and peaceful conduct of the 2023 General Elections.
The Commissioner of Police, Babaita further warned that he would not want chaos and brigandage which often comes through violence and hate speech.
He said that the Command is ready to deal decisively with any political party and its stakeholders that cause violence and should as a matter of critical factor, prevail on their supporters to play politics without bitterness and hate speech which often resulted to chaos and brigandage.
Babaita informed all politicians to avoid the use of Non- State Security outfits carrying offensive weapons such as Dane guns, swords, dagger,bows/ arrows and other dangerous implements at the venues of campaigns and rallies which the Command observed while ordering that those bending the grounds rules for a hitch free rallies should be arrested and prosecuted without delay.
While prosecuting those removing or defacing posters and leaflets, the CP banned the posting of posters at public buildings such as Government Institutions, Schools, Hospitals,INEC offices and Worship centers in the state.
He noted that Gombe State has enjoyed peaceful environment in the region, stressing that it should not be jeopardised.
He said, “Complying with the Electoral process will lay a foundation for free, fair and credible elections are not compromised by the relevant critical stakeholders and politicians in the state.”
Meanwhile, it may be recalled that some political gatherings that took place recently in Gombe State took a different dimension because of the activities of alleged political thugs and miscreants that openly displayed some dangerous implements even in the presence of security agencies; a development that may signal an omen if not checked and appropriate actions taken by security agencies.
Our Correspondent reports that if this development is not checked in time, the long enjoyed peaceful environment may be hampered, hence, the warning of the Commissioner of Police.
