Joe Effiong, Uyo,
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Bashir Makama, has advised all candidates in the forthcoming general elections to embrace peace and desist from any form of violence before and during the 2019 general election.
Makama who gave the advice during a meeting with political party candidates in Uyo, disclosed that any perpetrator caught would face the wrath of the law after the 2019 general elections.
“Peace has to reign in Akwa Ibom State. Do not commit any crime that would make you be arrested by officers of the police force. All political candidates should desist from thuggery.
“The police command is very prepared. The rescheduled election has also given us the opportunity to identify our strength and weaknesses and then build on them. Deployment of police officers would be everywhere.”He said
The paramount ruler of Itu Local Government Area, Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang, who spoke on the sideline of the meeting, hinted that election is not worth the blood of any Akwa Ibom citizen.
He advised party candidates to shealt their sword as violence before and during the 2019 election could lead to loss of lives and properties in the state.
The royal father, however, commended the state commissioner of police for the strategic measures put in place to ensure peace and security during the 2019 general elections.
“Some of us have asked our town criers to ring bells to our people that this election is going to be free and fair. It is not something you should stake your life because the election will come and go.
“Since I was born, the tension around this election, this year, is the highest. Politicians, traditional rulers, and even religious institutions talk politics which is not supposed to be so and it is something to be worried about.
“Akwa Ibom people are one and we should not shed blood because of politics. If you fail today, God will uplift you more. The election is supposed to be a service to the people but unfortunately, it is a service to the stomach,” he added
Also speaking, the state Deputy Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Mr Sunyiekekere Inokon said: “From the beginning of our campaign, we in the People’s Democratic Party have been taking the message of free and peaceful elections to the various levels of our campaign.
“We have done our work consistently from the state, chapters, wards and to the units and we used to advise our members and voters that we should have very free and peaceful elections in Akwa Ibom State.
“I am happy that today, the state Commissioner of Police has also confirmed the needs for peaceful elections and I hope that other political parties would promote peace in the state.”
His APC counterpart, Mr Ita Udosen Ekpenyong, expressed the belief that the exercise would bring about peace between all political party candidates.
“This is an academic exercise. I believe that the new Commissioner of Police will live to his word. The election in the state and country is becoming like a war. The police force should not be one-sided. They should not only protect ballot boxes but also the lives of Akwa Ibom people,” he stated.