May 17, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has commended political stakeholders, security agencies and residents for the peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries across the state, following earlier warnings against attempts to disrupt the exercise.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Timfon John, and made available to our Correspondent, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, praised officers and men of the command, sister security agencies, APC stakeholders and residents for maintaining order throughout the primaries.
The police chief said the exercise witnessed a high level of maturity, cooperation and law-abiding conduct by party faithful, supporters and youths, noting that coordinated security deployments helped prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Azare also applauded the synergy among security agencies, describing the peaceful atmosphere recorded during the primaries as a reflection of the commitment of the Akwa Ibom people to democratic values and peaceful political engagement.
He urged political actors and their supporters to sustain the same level of tolerance, respect for the rule of law and peaceful conduct in subsequent political activities and electoral processes in the state.
The police commissioner, however, warned that the command would not tolerate acts capable of causing violence, intimidation, thuggery or disruption of public peace, stressing that anyone attempting to undermine security in the state would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Earlier, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had issued a strong warning to individuals and groups allegedly planning to foment trouble during the APC primaries.
The command warned against violence, intimidation of delegates, snatching of election materials, sponsorship of thugs and other criminal activities, insisting that adequate security measures had been put in place across designated venues for a hitch-free exercise.
According to the statement, tactical teams, intelligence operatives and patrol units were strategically deployed across the state, while officers assigned to the exercise were directed to remain neutral and professional in carrying out their duties.
The Command also cautioned parents, political leaders and sponsors of violence against allowing their children or supporters to be used to cause unrest, warning that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted regardless of their status or political affiliation.
