By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
The Gombe State Police Command has warned political party leaders against sponsoring political thugs, engaging in violence and destroying campaign billboards and posters belonging to rival parties ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, gave the warning during a security stakeholders’ meeting with leaders and representatives of political parties held at the Police Command Headquarters in Gombe.
The meeting was attended by the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), members of the Police Management Team and political party representatives.
CP Chuso expressed concern over reported violations of the peace accord earlier signed by political stakeholders, particularly incidents of political violence and the movement of youths carrying dangerous weapons during political activities.
He urged political party leaders to caution their candidates, supporters and youths against sponsoring thuggery, destroying campaign materials, substance abuse and other activities capable of threatening public peace.
The Commissioner also warned that no political ambition was worth sacrificing the peace and security of Gombe State.
In their separate remarks, the DSS Director and NSCDC State Commandant called for collective responsibility and sustained cooperation between political parties and security agencies to prevent electoral violence.
Political party leaders, while commending security agencies for maintaining peace in the state, reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful political participation and respect for the existing peace accord.
They also called for fairness and equal treatment of all political parties in the enforcement of the law, alongside increased youth sensitisation and accountability for those sponsoring violence.
Responding, CP Chuso disclosed that the Command had put proactive security strategies in place to prevent political violence and other security breaches ahead of the elections.
He encouraged political party leaders to provide credible and timely information to security agencies on the activities of suspected thugs and other criminal elements.
The Commissioner further reiterated the directive of the Inspector-General of Police prohibiting individuals and political parties from unlawfully removing, destroying or defacing campaign billboards and posters belonging to other parties.
He warned that anyone found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
CP Chuso assured all political parties of the Command’s impartiality and professionalism, urging stakeholders to promote political tolerance and sensitise their supporters to shun violence before, during and after the 2027 General Elections.
End
About The Author
