Amid the ongoing campaigns ahead of the 2023 general election, heads of security agencies in Kaduna have called upon political parties and their supporters to shun violence and ensue peace.
The security chiefs made the call during a meeting led by the state Commissioner of Police Yekini Ayoku.
Ayoku warned parties against violating the provisions of the Electoral Act, especially Sections 92 to 97 adding that the engagement of non-state security outfits for campaigns and rallies would not be tolerated.
Those in attendance at the meeting includes: Garrison Commander, 1 Division, Kaduna, Brigadier General Ogbuabo; Commander, 453 Base Service Group Nigerian Airforce, Kaduna, Air Commodore A.A Adedoyin, Controller of Customs, Kaduna Area Command, CC Yakubu Salihu; and Deputy Controller of Immigration, Kaduna State Command, DCI Umaru Musa.
Others are: Deputy Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kaduna State Command, DC Kalu Ndupe; Controller of Corrections, Kaduna State Command, CC Ado Sale; Acting Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Kaduna Sector Command, DCC Garba Lawal; and Ibrahim Abdu Sarki of the Department of State Services, Kaduna.
Representatives of parties present at the meeting includes: Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Isa Muhammad Ashiru; All Progressives Congress, Senator Uba Sani; New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi; and that of the Labour Party, Jonathan Asake, amongst others, attended the meeting.
“For the umpteenth time, parties and candidates are warned against the use of thugs and other miscreants in the electoral process. This is just as you are strongly advised to base your campaigns strictly on issues bearing in mind that politics is essentially a contest of ideas.
“Violence, incitement, hate speech, use of foul and indecorous language should be eschewed as I equally warn against removal/defacing of opponents’ posters and banners.”
Furthermore, he urged parties and candidates to submit to his office their campaign schedules early for proper planning in order to avoid clashes over venues.
The commissioner also reiterated the commitment of the various security outlets to ensure fairness to all as well as give all the necessary support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).