The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Maiyaki Baba, has accused politicians of importing thugs into the state ahead of the coming elections. He however failed to name those responsible for it.
At the signing of peace accord by candidates of political parties contesting for various positions in the coming general elections, Mr. Maiyaki said that there is intelligence at the disposal of the command that some politicians are bringing in thugs that they intend to deploy during the elections.
The CP who is also the state chairman, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security however, said men and officers of the command in collaboration with sister security agencies are battle ready to deal with any breach of peace.
“Intelligence before us revealed that some people are trying to bring thuggery into Nasarawa State which is not the tradition in the state.
“I want to inform the candidates across the state that the information is before us and it is important to bring to your notice. We are up to the task to the extent that our security agencies have been directed to continue in carrying out patrol, raiding hotels where some of the hoodlums may be kept,” he said.
LEADERSHIP Friday reports that candidates of 14 political parties, including the incumbent Governor, Abdullahi Sule, signed the peace accord to ensure peaceful conduct of the polls.
The accord was organized by the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Governor Sule, who spoke on behalf of other candidates urged all contenders to shun acts that may undermine the peaceful coexistence among diverse groups in the state.
He said no leader can successfully administer the state in an atmosphere of chaos, adding that if politicians obeyed the guidelines stipulated by constitution and electoral act 2022, the elections would be peaceful, free and fair.
In his remarks during the occasion, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Uthman Ajidagba, noted that the sustenance of democracy in any society depends on the conduct of major political actors in the electoral process.
He urged candidates to ensure strict adherence to the accord document, while cautioning their supporters on the need to maintain peace during the elections.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel