By Correspondent in Ilorin.
The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has warned all stakeholders to make sure that the 2023 general elections are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of rancour and violence.
The police boss gave the warning while delivering a lecture at the Maiden Distinguished Personality Lecture, as part of 12th Convocation ceremony of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin on Thursday.
Baba, who was represented by the AIG Zone 8, Ashafa Adekunle, said the 2023 General elections must be based on the rule of law and respect for human rights of every citizen in Nigeria.
“Nigerians should be conscious of how they choose their leaders, which means a lot.
” Until we learn that what concerns all of us affects all of us and finds a way of dealing with them.
“Nigeria Police Force is ready to always engender meritocracy in our elections,” he said.
The I-G pointed out that the police have been working tirelessly with all stakeholders not to record any electoral violence whatsoever.
The police boss implored the political parties to conduct their campaigns on issue based, and not to incite violence before, during and after the elections.
“If you are aggrieved, over the conduct or result of the election, our court and tribunal is there for you.
“No to political thuggery, No violence of any form either before, during or after elections.
“Everyone should vote according to their choice. One man, one vote. Everyone’s vote must count. No threat or intimidation of anyone before, during after the election, he added.
Baba stressed that to ensure the public safety and peaceful elections, sensitization of youths at various levels and building the culture of peace among the youth, is paramount.
He said there is need to address the problem of devaluation of our value system and our culture.
” The stakeholders should engage the youths in election related jobs (observers, monitors, and party agents).
“The international, national and local media should use their channels to promote the campaign against election violence.
“The stakeholders should encourage youths to be part of the inter-party advisory committee at INEC to enhance transparency and public confidence in outcomes of the election that will be devoid of rancour and turmoil during elections.
“All security personnel participating in the election should have knowledge of the electoral procedures.
“The stakeholders should encourage the youths to always explore dialogue and negotiations as strategies to achieve their goals rather than violence and destructions.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Yusuf Noah, said the lecture became imperative in view of the fact that, threats to violence are becoming real, day-by-day, since the floor was declared open for electioneering, making Nigerians and international community to be scared and jittery.
Yusuf said “it is our individual and collective responsibilities to enhance and support security efforts to ensure a peaceful general elections.”
The VC urged the traditional rulers, who are well respected in their various communities to create awareness towards promoting peaceful election in their domains.
Prof. Yusuf thanked the Acting Director of the University’s Centre for Peace and Security Dr Biola Adimula and other staff members for organising the lecture, which brought all stakeholders on security issues to the institution.
