The Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Mr Ekereuwem Akpan, on Monday said the Police would deal with anyone found with arms or dangerous weapons during Saturday’s rerun election in the State.
He said this in Abi Local Government Area during a stakeholders meeting in preparation for the election at the Council Secretariat, Itigidi.
“We are here to tell you to warn your youths to desist from thuggery and violence, before, during and after the election.
“Do not try any rubbish; allow democracy to thrive. The police is ready to deal with anyone that causes trouble,” Akpan said.
The commissioner threatened that the police would treat anyone found with arms at the election venue as a “terrorist”.
“So, if you know that you don’t have any business with the election, stay clear of the election venue,” he said.
He advised politicians to shun violence and unwholesome attitude, especially during their campaign, adding that power comes from God.
“It is not a do or die affair, in every contest one person must win. So, let us always accept defeat in good faith and wait for another time,” Akpan said.
Mrs Ngozi Oghuma, the Administrative Secretary of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Cross River, said the forum was to interact with the most critical stakeholders.
“We have done a lot of sensitisation including earlier meeting with stakeholders in Calabar, going to the markets and so on. This is the final towards sensitisation and awareness creation.
“We are using this opportunity to tell the traditional rulers here, politicians, women and youths to get prepared for Saturday’s Court directed rerun election,” she said.
Oghuma assured the people of the area that the commission would ensure a level playing ground for all political parties.
She added that 13 political parties would participate in the election for both House of Representatives Yakurr/Abi Federal Constituency and Abi State Constituency in the State House of Assembly.
She advised political parties to strictly follow the guidelines for the 2010 Electoral Act (as ammended), especially in the nomination of their polling agents.
Also speaking, the Head of Local Government Administration for Abi, Mr Ekeng Bassey, warned the youths against violence during the election.
“I want to advice our youths that no election is worth dying for. Please, if you don’t have any business in the polling units stay clear,” he said
The rerun election is scheduled to hold on Jan. 25 following a High Court Order.
