Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Bassey Eno has warned against the disruption of the existing peace in the state, under any political guise, ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Eno gave the warning during the opening of a two-day seminar on violence-free elections in Akwa Ibom State, facilitated by the Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said that democracy should never be reduced to a contest in which victory is pursued or achieved at the expense of peace and human lives.
According to the State’s Chief Executive, “Elections and contests are opportunities for citizens to freely choose their leaders. It must never become an occasion for violence, intimidation, destruction, hate, blackmail, and bloodshed.”
Governor Eno pointed out that no political ambition is worth the existing hard-earned peace in the state. “Akwa Ibom State has worked hard to build a reputation for peace, hospitality, and stability. We must collectively protect that reputation,” Gov Eno said.
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He urged members of various political parties not to perceive their opponents as enemies but to play politics in a manner that preserves mutual relationships as well as project the image of Akwa Ibom State and desist from inciting people through divisive and vile rhetoric.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said that the two-day seminar is organised to chart a course for promoting peaceful, free, and fair elections in Akwa Ibom State by 2027.
CP Azare commended Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to peace, security, and democratic stability in Akwa Ibom State through partnership with security agencies and assured citizens of the collective determination of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies in the State to ensure that elections in Akwa Ibom State remain peaceful, orderly, and free from intimidation, thuggery, and violence.
He maintained that elections are fundamental to democracy, and as security agencies, they are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for democracy to thrive.
CP Azare reminded political parties and their supporters and members that politics should never create room for hate speech, intimidation of opponents, or disruption of political gatherings, as well as any form of attack.
Professor Anugbum Onuoha, the resident electoral commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, and Brigadier General Koko Essien (Rtd), the commissioner for internal security and waterways, both stressed in their separate messages of goodwill that political engagement should not be used as a yardstick for violence and that political aspirations and campaigns should be grounded in issues rather than insults.
The event had in attendance the Paramount Ruler of Uyo LGA, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Sylvanus E. Okon, service chiefs, members of the State Executive Council, and others.
