Nasarawa Commissioner Of Police Bans Night Political Gatherings, Highway Blockades

The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has warned political parties and their supporters against holding night gatherings and blocking major highways, saying such activities could pose serious security threats ahead of the state governorship election.

CP Shetima gave the warning on Monday in Lafia during a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other political parties in the state.

According to the police Command, the meeting was convened amid increased political activities and growing tension between supporters of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, and the SDP candidate, retired Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.

The commissioner said intelligence available to the Command indicated that supporters of the two leading parties had been gathering at night along major highways, with the potential to obstruct traffic and trigger violent confrontations.

He directed all political parties to notify the police ahead of rallies, processions and other major gatherings to enable the command to deploy adequate security and prevent clashes.

“We want political actors and their supporters to conduct their campaigns and rallies peacefully and in accordance with the law. Campaign of calumny, hate speech and inflammatory statements capable of heightening tension must be avoided,” Shetima said.

The commissioner also warned political actors against destroying or defacing campaign billboards and posters belonging to opposition parties, saying such actions could provoke avoidable crises.

He assured all parties that the police command would remain neutral and professional while providing a level playing field for political activities.

However, Shetima warned that anyone who violated the law under the guise of political activities would face the consequences.

Responding, the SDP State chairman, Danlami Musa, described the meeting as timely and pledged that the party would continue to educate its supporters on the need to maintain peace.

The APC State chairman, represented by the party’s secretary, Yarius Dagusa, also pledged the party’s commitment to playing by the rules and ensuring orderliness during its political engagements.

The police command said it would continue to engage political parties and other stakeholders to ensure that political activities in Nasarawa State are conducted peacefully without disrupting public order.