Elections violence- CP Achong talks tough

*Don’t dare me, police commissioner warns politicians
*says culprits and their sponsors will face the wrath of the law

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The Commissioner of  Police, Akwa Ibom  State Command, CP Gabriel Achong has warned politicians vying any political office in the forthcoming general elections who are desperate in their bid to achieve political power as well as win election all cost to have a rethink, stressing that the Command will work to ensure the State remain peaceful before, during and after the elections.

CP Achong gave the warning on Friday during a political stakeholders meeting organized by him with security agencies, royal fathers, religious leaders as well as youth leaders with the theme “the need to stop inciting and making provocative statements and why violence must be eschewed during political campaigns”  at the Police Officer’s Mess, Metro Road, Uyo.

He said the meeting was important as it was geared towards ensuring violence free elections in the forthcoming coming general elections, adding that free, fair and credible election devoid of violence is one of the cardinal principles of an ideal democratic state whereas, the opposite would leaves the state in wanton destruction of property, loss of lives and of course, a truncated socio-economic developments across the society.

While pointing out the causes of political violence, Achong said verbal or written political campaign provocative statements before, during and after elections are powerful instrument used by some politicians in the Akwa Ibom State to canvass for supporters may determine actions and reactions from the youths which may cause violence.

The police boss who took time explain do and don’t during campaign, warned Do-Or-Die politicians who are desperate in their bid to win election at all cost, using fair or foul means which may lead to political violence to desist from such act, recommending sportsmanship politicking as an ideal replacement for Do-Or-Die Politics in the state.

According to the police commissioner “as we prepare for the general elections, we will not tolerate any form of thuggery by any politicians who may use drug addicted youths or able bodied persons to disrupt campaigns and elections, otherwise, through synergized efforts by security agencies, I assure Akwa Ibom people that, offender of the law and their sponsors will not only be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law, but also that, there is sufficient capacity and the will  to deal with culprits, prevent and control any act of violence, and after the forthcoming elections.”   

    
    Speaking further, the CP noted that unfolding event has shown that posters and bill boards belonging to contestants in various political parties have been destroyed or removed from where they pasted or fixed , describing the action as tantamount to violence.

Those who spoke at the meeting promised to comply with the rules of the game.