By Freshgist
Akwa Ibom state Commissioner of Police Olatoye Durunsimi has warned governorship and House of Assembly candidates participating in the coming election to eschew violence and thuggery during elections in the state.
Addressing candidates of political parties at the state police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo on Tuesday during signing of Peace Accord for smooth conduct of the poll, the Commissioner of Police maintained that there will be zero tolerance to thuggery and other forms of electoral violence in the state throughout the elections.
"In the last election , the command is aware of thugs who camouflaged as fake soldiers and policemen during Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state . Some of them were arrested at various locations in the state.
" Investigations is ongoing for those who are still in our custody while others have been charged to court .
" But this time, it is zero tolerance to thuggery and all forms of crimes during the election . Our men are on ground to prevent breakdown of law and order during the election."
The Commissioner also explained that the problem of thuggery emanates from overzealous supporters who normally commit electoral crimes which their principals never authorized them.
He therefore advised the candidates to talk to their supporters to keep to the provisions of the peace deal in order to achieve a peaceful elections in the state.
Candidates who signed the Peace Accord deal include Pastor Umo Eno of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) , Senator John James Akpan Udoedeghe of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNDP) , senator Bassey Albert of Young Progressives Peoples Party (YPP) and governoship candidate of African Alliance Congress( AAC) Mr Iboro Otu.
Others include governoship candidate of Accord Party ,Emem Koffi , Akanimo Udofia for All Progressives Congress( APC) Akanimo Ekpenyong for Booth Party , Uduakobong Peter , Labour Party ( LP) Ita Ekpe for All Progressives Crand Alliance (APGA,) among others .
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state urged the candidates to educate their supporters in the need for peace during the election as only one winner will emerged at the end .
The Resident Electoral Commisioner who was represented by Administrative Officer of the commission said the Electoral Umpire was ready to conduct free and credible election in the state .
" We are dedicated to our service in the state. We will ensure that materials arrived polling units on time . "
All the candidates who responded appealed to police and other security agencies remain impartial throughout conduct of the poll in the state adding that anything contrary can stoke violence at the polling unit.
They maintained that the peace initiative will be sustained by fairness of security agencies during and after the election. Appealing to security agencies to check conducts of candidates and their supporters to forestall breakdown of order during the election .
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