Idara Jerome, Uyo
Traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have warned politicians and their supporters against actions capable of undermining the state’s reputation for peace, urging stakeholders to make responsible conduct a priority as the state approaches another electoral cycle.
The warning was issued by the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Edidem Sylvanus Okon, who spoke on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Akwa Ibom State at a two-day seminar on violence-free elections in Uyo on Tuesday.
Okon urged participants to take the message of the sensitisation programme to their respective communities, stressing that the seminar should serve as a lasting reminder that Akwa Ibom had remained a peaceful state and must not lose that identity to political activities.
He said traditional institutions would continue to support efforts aimed at preserving peace, while calling on political actors and other stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process did not become a source of conflict among people who would continue to live together after elections.
The royal father also prayed for the protection of police officers and other security personnel in the state, asking God to strengthen them in the discharge of their duties and ensure that no harm came to them.
The seminar, organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and Akwa Ibom State Government, is themed, “Promoting Peaceful, Free, Fair and Credible Elections in Akwa Ibom State.”
Governor Umo Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, backed the call for peaceful politics, declaring that no political ambition was worth the life of any Akwa Ibom citizen.
Eno said political disagreements must not turn neighbours into enemies, warning that elections should never be occasions for violence, intimidation, destruction, hate, blackmail or bloodshed.
“No political ambition is worth the life of a single Akwa Ibom person. No elective position is worth destroying the peace we have worked hard to maintain in this state,” the governor stated.
He also warned against recruiting, arming and manipulating youths for political violence, saying young people deserved education, skills, jobs and opportunities rather than being used as political thugs and abandoned after elections.
Eno, who declared the seminar open, insisted that there would be no sacred cows in dealing with electoral violence, stressing that the 2027 contest must be determined by ballots rather than bullets, and by ideas rather than intimidation.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said the police would remain neutral, professional and impartial throughout the electoral process, stressing that their loyalty was to the Constitution, the laws of Nigeria and the people they were mandated to protect.
Azare said the command would work with relevant stakeholders to prevent violence, protect lives and property, safeguard electoral officials and materials, and ensure that political activities were conducted within the law.
He warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against thuggery, hate speech, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, possession of dangerous weapons, disruption of political gatherings and attacks on electoral officials.
The commissioner said political competition could not justify violence, adding that anyone who violated the law would be held accountable, regardless of political affiliation or status.
He also urged political parties and candidates to educate their supporters on peaceful conduct, respect the rules of engagement and use lawful channels to resolve grievances rather than resorting to self-help.
Azare called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, INEC, political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society groups, the media and youths, saying peaceful and credible elections could not be achieved through law enforcement alone.
He further cautioned citizens against the irresponsible use of social media, noting that false information, inflammatory publications and unverified claims could heighten tension, mislead the public and threaten the peace of the state.
The CP urged residents to report suspicious movements, planned attacks and other security threats to the appropriate authorities, assuring them that information provided would be treated responsibly.
