Zulum tasks police to arrest culprits of political violence in Borno
By Njadvara MUSA, Maiduguri
Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum has tasked the police to arrest culprits of political violence and intimidation in the state.
According to him, all the heads of security agencies are to invite and warn the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Isa Gusau, stated Thursday in Maiduguri that Zulum expressed sadness over reports of violence involving some supporters of the APC and PDP during their electioneering campaigns in Borno central senatorial district.
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The district comprises eight Local Government Areas, including Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC).
“Zulum directed the State’s Commissioner of Police to investigate and ensure all culprits are arrested and prosecuted,” he said, adding that there were reports of renewed acts of political violence in the state.
According to the Governor, “I strongly condemn these extremely unnecessary acts of violence.
“I hereby direct the Commissioner of Police and the DSS to immediately investigate and ensure anyone involved is made to face the full wrath of the law.”
He said that the State’s Security Council is to convene a meeting immediately with major political parties’ critical representatives.
Besides the security meeting, he added that the APC and PDP should sign undertakings warning against all acts of violence in the state.
He, therefore, ordered that punitive measures be rolled out for any culprit, particularly politicians who might be instigating violence.
The punitive measures, according to him, be meted out to politicians found wanting, no matter how highly placed they are in society.
Meanwhile, the Governor urged supporters of all political parties not to disseminate false statements that could incite violence among the various communities.
He said to ensure hitch-free 2023 elections: “We should endeavor to promote peace and unity to ensure a hitch-free and credible 2023 general elections.”
“We have seen enough of violence from our over 12 years of Boko Haram insurgency,” he lamented.
He warned that instigating political violence is simply being ungrateful to God for restoring peace.
“Many soldiers and other security personnel including Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes have sacrificed their lives to restore peace in the state,” he said.
He explained that this enabled the State government and other development partners to resettle about one million displaced persons and refugees into 16 liberated communities.
He, therefore, urged stakeholders of political parties, particularly party executives, campaign teams, and candidates, to desist from violence.
“You’re to conduct the electioneering campaigns peacefully and in accordance to all provision of the electoral Act and the laws of the State,” he said.
