Desist from destruction of opponents’ billboards – Police caution support groups. The Cross River State Police Command has issued a warning to political support organizations and campaign followers about defacing and destroying rival candidates’ billboards.
This is happening even as political campaigns for the nation’s general election the next year got underway yesterday, September 28, 2022.
Aminu Alhassan, the state’s commissioner of police, issued the warning in a statement that was signed by Irene Ugbo, the command’s public relations officer.
He denounced the reports that political thugs were reportedly responsible for the deliberate damage of campaign billboards and posters around the state.
The alleged move, he said, was a “uncivilized behavior that can throw the state into significant political crisis,” and he urged security authorities to deal with the problems before they get out of hand.
He said, “While a state that values peace, we will not stand by and watch as individuals or groups act out to the point of damaging lawful property.
He further pledged that they would work to maintain Cross River’s reputation as a state of peace.
Throughout the whole electoral process, he also warned political actors against using violent organizations in their campaigns.
He cautioned non-state actors against creating fictitious security groups to stoke up political activity within the state.
“Since politics is not a fight for brigandage, but a civilized procedure for choosing leaders. The political class is being urged by the Nigeria Police Force Cross River State Command to avoid cults and violent organizations participating in the campaign and election process.
According to him, the Command would take severe action against anybody or any organization that resorts to violence in order to pursue their own interests.
