…As CSO Urges Police To Arrest Political Leaders Who Engage In Hate Speech
From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Dauda, on Tuesday, cautioned political leaders and party stakeholders in the state to desist from actions and inactions capable of causing violence and breach of the peace in the forthcoming 2023 general elections in the State.
The Kano Police boss who spoke during the Kano State Peace Summit organized by the Nigeria Police Force (Kano Command), in conjunction with Aminu Magashi Garba (AMG) Foundation held at the Lebanon Club, Bompai, Kano, promised that, already, Police and sister security agencies, have mapped out strategies to provide adequate security and ensure credible and peaceful elections in the state.
He urged political party leaders and their candidates to play by the rules of the game and avoid any act capable of disturbing the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the ancient commercial city of Kano, and across the hinterlands.
CP Dauda described the Summit with the theme: “Towards a Peaceful 2023 General Elections in Kano State,” as very timely and important for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections in the state.
His words: “It is a great pleasure to welcome you today to this timely “Kano State Peace Summit” with a theme “Towards a Peaceful 2023 General Elections in Kano State” as part of our commitment to ensuring peaceful, free, fair and credible elections as the 2023 General Election is getting closer.
“This summit was organized in the spirit of Community Policing and in collaboration with Aminu Magashi Garba (AMG) Foundation being our partner in the Community Policing Project.
“The purpose of this interactive summit is to bring all Stakeholders to come together to discuss proactive measures needed to put in place for violent-free and successful election processes.
“In our Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meetings, we have mapped-out strategies to provide adequate security coverage in all activities before, during and after the General Elections.
“Issues to be discussed in the Summit include; An Overview of the 2023 Electoral Act as Amended, in particular the INEC with expounded guidelines, Electoral Violence, Malpractices and Electoral Offences, Roles of the Police and other security agencies, Role of Political Parties and their candidates and the Role of Media in ensuring peaceful elections. After each presentation, discussions will follow.
“In view of the fact that elections play crucial roles in the consolidation and sustainability of democracy, all hands must be on deck to salvage this positive culture of choosing credible leaders.
“Kano State remained one of the most peaceful States in the Federation, and hence, the need for peaceful conduct of election processes towards the forthcoming general elections could not be over-emphasized, as the effect of any electoral violence may severely affect the sustainable economic growth of the State, leading to a reduction in the rate of trade and commercial activities, with social, economic and political stagnation, as well as low returns on investment.
“On the final note, I wish to express my gratitude to AMG Foundation and the Kano State Government for their supports not only to the Police Command, but to all other security agencies in the State towards safeguarding the lives and properties of the good people of the State.
“I also appreciate the good people of Kano State for their prayers, support, cooperation and intelligence sharing.
“While we urge all political actors in the State to eschew their differences and work in synergy with one another towards a successful general election come 2023, I welcome you once again and wish you successful deliberations.”
However, Kano State Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in their input during the Summit, called on the Kano State police to arrest and prosecute political leaders who engage in hate speeches and public incitement.
The President of the CSOs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, said the police must take decisive action against defaulters irrespective of their status if it is serious about bringing about sanity that will translate to peace and stability of the state.
According to Waiya, “if truly the security agencies want to address political thuggery in the state, they have to show an example by arresting some of the big shots who are involved in uncomplimentary statement which is threatening the peace and security of the state.
“I made a particular emphasis on utterances of the Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa where he was recently quoted saying “you either vote APC or face the consequences”.
“We requested the security agency to arrest him and make him an example if they want to address hate speeches.
“We have also earlier condemned the hate speeches made by the Chairmen of APC and NNPP.
“So if truly the security agencies want to address political thuggery in the state, they have to show an example by arresting some of the big shots.”
In his remarks, the Chairman, Kano State Council of Imams, Dr. Nasir Adam called on candidates of political parties to embrace peace and the spirit of sportsmanship.
He reminded them the power belongs to God and He gives it to whoever he wishes, admonishing them never to See the elections as ä matter of do-or-die.
The religious leader said whoever lost in the race should accept defeat and embrace the winner in order to work together for the growth and development of the state and the nation at large.
Mr. Suleiman Ghali, Head of Department, Legal Services of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kano State, in his address entitled: “Overview of the 2023 Electoral Act/INEC Guidlines with Reference to Electoral Violence/Electoral Offences,” said INEC has put everything in place to ensure hitch-free election in Kano come 2023.
According to him, “the Electoral Act 2022 is laudable effort to bring the Nigerian Electoral Process up to standard with the countries all over the world and meet the aspiration of Nigerians.
“It is believed that the provision of the 2022 (Electoral) Act will guarantee delivery of free, fair, transparent and credible elections which will in turn increase the acceptance of the Electoral Process and outcomes in 2023 general elections.
“Most importantly, INEC will continue to evolved and improved on the electoral process as time Goes on.”
The AUTHORITY reports that candidates of various political parties who attended the Summt were allowed to freely air their views and narrate their grievances which the Police authorities in the state promised to address.
