Police Summon APC, SDP Leaders, Ban Night Rallies, Highway Gatherings In Nasarawa

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

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

The meeting, according to the Command, was convened following increasing political activities and growing tension between supporters of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, and the SDP’s retired IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.

Addressing the party leaders, the police commissioner said intelligence available to the Command showed supporters of the two leading parties have been congregating at night along major highways, a development he said could obstruct traffic and trigger violent confrontations.

He directed all political parties always to notify the police ahead of any rally, procession, or major gathering to enable the Command to provide 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,” CP Shetima said.

The Commissioner also warned against the destruction and defacement of opposition-party campaign billboards and posters, noting that such acts could provoke an avoidable crisis.

He assured that the Command would remain neutral and professional and provide a level playing field for all parties. Still, he vowed that anyone who violates the law under the guise of politics would be dealt with accordingly.

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

On his part, the APC State Chairman, represented by the party Secretary, Hon. Yarius Dagusa, said the APC would play by the rules and ensure orderliness in all its engagements.

The police said it would continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that political activities in the state are conducted peacefully without disrupting public order.