2023: Gombe Police warn against using non-state security outfits at campaigns
Story from Najibullahi ADAMU, Gombe
As the 2023 electioneering campaigns commence on the 28th of September, the Gombe State Police Command has warned all political parties in the state to avoid the use of non-state security outfits and carrying weapons such as Dane guns, swords, daggers, bows, arrows and other dangerous items at the venues of their campaigns.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ishola Babaita, gave the warning Monday during an interactive meeting with political parties and relevant stakeholders in the state in preparation for the commencement of electioneering campaigns held at the Gombe police headquarters.
According to the CP, the task of securing the electoral process before, during and after the election rests squarely with the police as the lead agency in election security.
He, therefore, asked political parties to apply for police security coverage at least 48 hours before their events adding that parties should also submit their itinerary of campaigns and rallies to the police command for harmonisation to avoid convergence of such activities at the same locations and conflicting times.
“It is also important to warn against removing or defacing your opponent’s posters, leaflets and pasting of banners at public buildings such as government institutions, schools, hospitals, INEC offices and worship centres.
“The command deemed it necessary to enjoin all registered political parties in the state to eschew violence and always prevail on their supporters to play politics without bitterness, hate speech which often escalates into chaos and brigandage,” Babaita said.
