Politicians in Kogi State have been asked not to see the forthcoming 2023 general election as a reason to set the Country and State ablaze.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ashafa Adekunle, gave the charge at a stakeholders meeting with political parties Organized by the Kogi State Command of the Nigerian Police.
The AIG disclosed that the era of violence in election and electioneering has gone with the introduction of the New Electoral Law and the use of BVAS.
The AIG lamented about violence that is associated with Kogi Politics, described it as unfortunate for a State that is in the Zone that has not recorded any measure of violence but in Kogi State.
The AIG disclosed that properties destroyed, burnt during election violence belong to the people, urged political stakeholders in Kogi State to say no to electoral violence and ensure a credible hitch free election.
Why he lamented that violence is beginning to show it ugly head already in the Kogi Politics, lamented the destruction of billboards, tearing of poster as unfortunate.
The AIG disclosed that the Nigerian Police, working in synergy with other security agencies are ready to work collectively towards ensuring the 2023 election, 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 State in the Command, aside Kogi State, no where else are there cases of single billboard destruction and poster removal, wondered why it is happening in Kogi State.
While pointing out that the people of the State have no other State to call there own, urged for a rethink, urged the people to renew there commitment to having a peaceful election.
The AIG promised that the security agencies will be apolitical, said the new electoral has put to rest the issues of rigging, ballot box snatching, insisting that the new law makes it very difficult to rig in 2023.
The AIG reiterated that the period of rigging, snatching ballot box, buying PVC is gone, urged the people to collectively say no to political violence during and after the 2023 Gene election.
He cautioned against hate speeches, urged the people to vote for candidates of there choice, employ political party’s to campaign on issues and to use the court and tribunal that is available for seeking redress if they feel otherwise.
He call for a positive attitudinal role in ensuring peaceful election by the political parties, promised that the Nigerian Police working in synergy with other security agencies would deliver a credible hitch free 2023 General election.
The Stakeholder meeting was attended by Chairman and Representatives of Political Parties, CSO, Faith Based Organizations and other critical stakeholders.