The Nasarawa state commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi, has assured the residents of the state of peaceful elections in the state ahead of 2023 general election.
CP Soyemi stated this in Lafia, Saturday, at a meeting with all registered political parties in the state in preparation for political campaigns.
He explained that all security agencies in the state were working together to ensure effective deployment and management during the election.
The Police commissioner cautioned political parties against engaging local security outfits to provide security during political activities.
He said the command has put in place robust arrangements to ensure adequate security and safety during campaigns throughout the state.
The CP also warned that the use of firearms and other offensive weapons that can create fear in the heart of other parties remained prohibited, adding, “I must reiterate that police will deal ruthlessly and decisively with any acts that contravene the extant laws of the state and the country at large.
“I warn individuals whose perception of democracy is the application of violence to have a rethink, because, the police are committed to dealing firmly with such characters within the dictates of the law.”
The command however, admonished political parties to abide by the provisions of the electoral Act, 2022, and play the game by the rules.
In his remarks, the resident electoral commissioner, Uthman Ajidagba, represented by his administrative secretary, Usman Musa Wase, said there shall be total impartiality by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He appealed to the political parties to show maximum support and cooperation to INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders for violence-free election.
In their separate remarks, the representatives of the different political parties gave their commitments towards ensuring that the state has hitch-free campaigns just as they tasked INEC not to be biased in their conducts.
