By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja
As the general elections of 2023 inches, political gladiators in Kogi State have been advised to avoid a repeat performance of election trauma that characterise elections in the confluence state.
This advice is coming from the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ashafa Adekunle on the occasion of stakeholders meeting with political parties at the instance of Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police.
An unequivocal AIG stressed that the era of violence in election and electioneering is no longer fashionable within the state and beyond considering the introduction of the new Electoral Law and the use of BVAS.
The AIG lamented that political violence that has become the logo of Kogi Politics in a comity of peaceful states within the zone is regrettable and call for a change of attude i n the new dawn.
A worried AIG lamented that properties that were destroyed and or burnt during election violence belong to the people and urged political stakeholders in the state to steer clear of electoral violence for a credible and hitch free election.
However, the destruction of billboards and tearing of posters by unidentified politicians that is trending in the state is a cause for worry..
The AIG disclosed that the Nigerian Police, working in synergy with other security agencies are ready to work collectively to ensure the success of the 2023 election and warned trouble makers to turn a new leaf as it would no longer be business as usual.
The AIG appealed to Political Parties to be issue base in there messages during, before and after election, pointing out that in all his travels across the States in the Command, it is only in Kogi that he observed that is only in Kogi State and no where else that cases of single billboard destruction and poster removal is pervasive.
He assured that the police and other security agencies will be apolitical, saying that the new electoral process has put to rest the issues of rigging and ballot box snatching.
He cautioned against hate speeches, urged the people to vote for candidates of their choice while employing political parties to campaign on issues and to use the court and tribunal available to seek redress if they if the need arose.
The meeting was attended by chairmen and representatives of political parties, CSOs, faith based organizations and other critical stakeholders.
