The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude on Thursday warned politicians in the state against violence during the forthcoming general elections, saying that the command is ready to deal with anybody who perpetrates any evil act during the election.
He disclosed this at the state’s police command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital at a stakeholders’ meeting with politicians, INEC staff, political party leaders, candidates, supporters, and other critical stakeholders.
The police boss noted that the meeting was called in compliance with the Inspector General Of Police, Abubakar Adamu Mohammed’s instruction on the need to have a peaceful atmosphere preparatory to the forthcoming general elections.
The police commissioner said though Oyo State is adjudged as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, nonetheless, there is absolute need to maintain and retain this enviable status before, during and after the election.
“We are concerned by recent disturbing activities of some overzealous party supporters whose actions, caustic comments or utterance prelude crisis and could set the stage for violence in the state, needless to say that this is capable of threatening free, fair and credible election in the state”.
Odude pointed out that the command has been inundated with petitions from some aggrieved party loyalists who complained that their posters and bill board were being maliciously defaced, destroyed or removed by yet to be identified agents of opposition parties, and similarly, some political parties have started making inflammatory statements and hate speeches aimed at denigrating their opponents.
“It is for this reason that we fervently call on all party leaders, candidates and their supporters to exhibit high sense of responsibility and decorum, and play the game according to the rules especially during campaign rallies. We also expect that politicians, especially candidates will warn their supporters against further engaging in embarrassing acts or conducts earlier mentioned throughout the electioneering period”.
He reiterated further that his command will not fold its arms while some disgruntled, anti Democratic elements set the state on fire, adding that the police are determined to deal decisively with individuals, or politicians no matter how highly placed who engage in any form of violence either before, during or after the election.
“We appreciate the maturity displayed by party loyalists in the face of provocation, we warn those responsible for these indecorous, but criminal acts to desist forthwith. We reiterate our resolution to provide adequate security for the electorate as well as other participants in the electoral process irrespective of their political affiliation.
“We are determined to provide level playing ground for all. We are also resolutely committed to providing peaceful and conducive atmosphere devoid of acrimony throughout the electioneering period, we will bring the full weight of the law on any group or individual who indulges in acts capable of heating up the polity.
“Let us all be reminded that the ban on proliferation of illegal arms is still in force. Therefore anyone found in possession of illegal lethal arms or ammunition will face the consequence. We urge all parents and guardians to talk to their children. The youth must not allow themselves to be used as political thugs to cause violence in any part of the state. They must not be cajoled by selfish politicians who might want to use them to settle political scores”.
He, however, urged everybody to see themselves as agents of change and progress and not agents of retrogression and destabilization so that the peace and tranquility needed for coexistence and for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy is not jeopardized.
In his remark, the resident electoral commissioner in Oyo State, Barrister Mutiu Agboke added that security of voters is guaranteed before, during and after election, noting that an agreement has also been signed by all the political parties, candidates and major stakeholders to maintain peace and accord.
Agboke stressed that no result can be manipulated because INEC has put in place some security measures by coding some of its materials, giving assurance that people’s votes will be counted during the poll.
“I want to urge all of you to desist from all the inflammatory statements that can cause trouble during election period, don’t let the peace accord we signed today be a formality”.
He, however, urged the people of the state to maintain peace and order and that they should not allow any politician to deceive them because everybody’s vote will be counted.
“We want to tell our people that their votes will be counted and we stand by our words because this remains sacrosanct.
Those who attended the event included police officers, National Youth Council of Nigeria, religious leaders, NURTW members, OPC members, party leaders and their candidates, INEC officers, PCRC members, Muslim community and others.
Packaged by Ojo Peter
