From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Dauda, has vowed to arrest and prosecute political leaders who instigate their supporters to exhibit violence during campaigns and elections, no matter how highly placed.
The AUTHORITY reports that the Kano Peace Committee (KPC), in a Statement on Tuesday, signed by its Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim A. Waiya, frowned at violent clashes among supporters of political parties in the state, calling on the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Dauda, to arrest and prosecute their sponsors.
CP Dauda during a meeting with leaders of political parties in Kano, on Tuesday, advised them that peace has no alternative, “warn your supporters.”
Reading Riot Act to political party leaders and thugs who resort to attacking themselves during the campaign period in the state, the police boss warned to desist from such unlawful acts, or be ready to be prosecuted.
The AUTHORITY reports that the meeting held at Lebanon Club was aimed at sensitizing all political party leaders in the State on the need for peace and peaceful coexistence, before, during and after elections.
The Commissioner of Police who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, DCP Mu’azu U. Mohammed, however, welcomed the political party leaders and appreciated them for honouring the invitation.
He stated that, “the meeting is as a result of reports of clashes amongst political parties during campaigns.”
Power Point Presentation (PPP) on the incidents were presented to them.
He reminded them that, “the responsibility of the Police is the protection of life and property, and therefore, the Police will continue to be neutral in discharging our duties.”
He called on them to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons, items, movement, or incidents to the nearest Police station.
He urged the political party leaders to prevail on their supporters to be of good conduct by shunning any act capable of disrupting the peace being enjoyed in the State, adding that, “the Police would not tolerate any surreptitious move by any political party to foment trouble. Peace has no alternative.”
He further warned political party leaders against the use of thugs (‘Yan Daba) and weapons during political activities in the State, as anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.
In their various responses, the political party leaders present during the meeting appreciated the Commissioner of Police for calling the meeting, stating that whoever is in Kano must appreciate the Police for their efforts in fighting all forms of crime.
They promise to be law-abiding in their political activities.
Among those present in the meeting are representatives of all political parties in the State, the President, Civil Society Organisations, Comrade Ibrahim A. Waiya who doubles as the Secretary of Kano Peace Committee, representative of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), among other stakeholders.
