The Taraba State Police Command has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against violence, intimidation, hate speech and other electoral offences ahead of the commencement of electioneering campaigns in the state.
The warning was issued on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of political parties at the command headquarters in Jalingo.
The meeting which the police said, is part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, hitch-free and violence-free electoral process, was chaired on behalf of the Commissioner of Police by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Didango.
Didango urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in strict compliance with existing laws.
The police specifically warned that political thuggery, violence, hate speech, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, possession of dangerous weapons, vote buying and other forms of electoral offences would not be tolerated.
The command stressed that while all political parties have equal rights to campaign, such rights must be exercised responsibly and without infringing on the rights, safety and freedoms of others.
The Deputy Commissioner further urged political parties to caution their supporters against provocative statements and actions capable of disrupting public peace.
He assured the stakeholders that the Police would remain professional, impartial and apolitical in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities throughout the electoral process.
Didango also called on traditional and religious leaders, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the Police in maintaining peace before, during and after the elections.
The command urged political actors and residents of Taraba State to play by the rules, shun violence and work collectively towards ensuring a peaceful, credible and orderly electoral process.
2027: Police reads riot act to political parties ahead of campaigns in Taraba