Israel Umoh
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has warned politicians and their supporters against perpetrating violence and destroying property before and during the 2027 general elections in the state.
Similarly, Akwa Ibom Police Commissioner, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned political parties 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, stressing that political competition could never justify violence.
Governor Eno and CP Azare, who spoke on Tuesday in Uyo during a Violence-Free Election Seminar jointly organised by the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Akwa Ibom State Government, stated that elections must not become occasions for violence, destruction, hate speech, blackmail, or bloodshed.
The Governor warned against the use of inciting, divisive, and vile rhetoric, emphasizing that his administration will only support a political environment where every citizen can participate freely without intimidation.
Also read: Gov Eno Urges Christians to Counter Negative Influences with Godly Values
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno, speaking on the theme: Promoting Peaceful, Free, Fair, and Credible Elections in Akwa Ibom State, noted that no elective position is worth destroying the reputation of peace, hospitality, and stability that the state has worked hard to build.
“Every political party can legitimately canvass for support, and every voter can exercise his or her constitutional rights without fear, intimidation, or harassment,” Eno said. “Political parties must understand that their opponents are not enemies.
According to him, belonging to different political parties does not make us any less Akwa Ibom people.
“I call on all political leaders, aspirants, and candidates to demonstrate leadership through the language they use and the conduct they encourage among their supporters. We must refrain from inciting the public through divisive and vile rhetoric.
“Our young people must never again be recruited, armed, manipulated, or abandoned after elections. The youth of Akwa Ibom State deserve opportunities, quality education, skills, jobs, and a bright future—not political violence.
“I therefore urge our young men and women to reject anyone who seeks to use them as political thugs. Your future is far greater than any amount of money offered to attack others, destroy property, or disrupt elections.”
He enjoined the Police, DSS, Armed Forces, and other security agencies to strengthen interagency collaboration to prevent criminals and political agitators from exploiting institutional gaps.
“Let me make it clear that while the government will continue to guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to political participation and peaceful assembly, nobody will be permitted to hide under the guise of politics to disturb the peace of Akwa Ibom State,” he added.
“Anyone who commits violence, destroys property, attacks opponents, intimidates voters, or breaches the law should expect to face the full consequences of their actions. There will be no sacred cows,” he warned.
CP Azare, assured that the police would remain neutral, professional, and impartial before, during, and after elections, declaring that their loyalty was to the Constitution and the people they were mandated to protect.
“We remain neutral, professional, and impartial. Our loyalty is to the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to the peace and security of the people we are mandated to protect,” Azare said.
Azare warned political parties 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, stressing that political competition could never justify violence.
He said credible elections could not be achieved through the efforts of security agencies alone, calling for closer cooperation among the police, DSS, INEC, political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society groups, the media, youths and the general public.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (retd) commended the security agencies for mounting the symposium, and called on politicians and their supporters to play according to rules devoid of violence and harassment of opponents.
Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Akwa Ibom State, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, urged stakeholders to carry the message of the seminar back to their communities and preserve the state’s reputation as a peaceful state.
Okon, who presented a goodwill message, called for the protection of police officers and other security personnel in the state, praying that God would strengthen them in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed that the interactive sessions should provide stakeholders an opportunity to exchange ideas and deepen their commitment to peaceful elections.
