Benue CP: Warns Politicians Recruiting Thugs, Cultists for Campaigns

• Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu warned politicians against recruiting thugs and cult members for campaigns.
• The warning was issued during a peace accord signing ceremony attended by political stakeholders at the state police headquarters in Makurdi.
• Political parties and candidates committed to rejecting violence, respecting opponents' rights, and cooperating with security agencies by signing the accord.
• The police assured professional and impartial security provision for all lawful political activities.
• Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful campaigns, the rule of law, and protecting lives and property throughout the electoral period.

The explicit warning from Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu signals a heightened enforcement posture against political thuggery and violence.

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has issued a direct warning to political parties and their candidates in the state, cautioning them against the recruitment of thugs and cult members for their campaigns. This significant admonition was delivered during a peace accord signing ceremony held at the state police headquarters in Makurdi on a Wednesday, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders including chairmen of political parties, candidates, representatives from various sister security agencies, and other key community figures.

The Commissioner's directive, subsequently detailed in a statement released on Thursday by DSP Peter Aondongu, the State Command’s Public Relations Officer, underscored the imperative for politicians to maintain conduct entirely free from violence. The primary objective behind this peace accord, as articulated by the police chief, is to foster peaceful political activities across Benue State and to ensure the sustained security of the region throughout the electoral period. This proactive measure aims to curb potential electoral violence in Benue and promote responsible political campaign conduct in Benue.

Specifically, Commissioner Nwadiogbu urged all political leaders and candidates to take responsibility for their supporters, ensuring their behavior remains peaceful and responsible. He explicitly prohibited the engagement or utilization of political thugs, cult groups, or any other criminal elements. Such individuals, he warned, must not be employed to intimidate political opponents or to disrupt any lawful political activities, reinforcing the commitment to upholding Nigeria's political thuggery law.

Following the Commissioner's address, participating political parties and candidates formally signed the Benue election peace accord. This act served as a collective declaration of their commitment to unequivocally reject political violence, respect the fundamental rights of other political actors, and actively cooperate with security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace throughout the entire electoral process in Benue State. The signing signifies a crucial step towards ensuring a fair and secure political landscape.

In return, Commissioner Nwadiogbu provided assurances to all political parties and candidates that the Police Command would operate with utmost professionalism and impartiality. He pledged the Command's unwavering commitment to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities, thereby creating a level playing field for all contenders. This promise aims to build trust and encourage adherence to the principles of the accord.

Furthermore, stakeholders were strongly encouraged to maintain open and effective lines of communication with the Police and other security agencies. This includes proactively informing authorities about planned rallies, campaigns, and any other significant political activities. This collaborative approach is designed to facilitate better security planning and prevent potential flashpoints of electoral violence in Benue.

The Police Command's call extends to all political leaders, candidates, their supporters, and the general public, urging them to collectively uphold the spirit of the recently signed peace accord. The overarching goal is to work in unison towards achieving peaceful and credible political activities throughout Benue State, ensuring that the democratic process is not undermined by unlawful actions.

In response to the Commissioner's appeal, the assembled stakeholders reaffirmed their own commitment. They pledged to conduct peaceful campaigns, respect the rule of law, and prioritize the protection of lives and property throughout the entire electoral period. This mutual commitment from both law enforcement and political actors is vital for fostering a stable environment during the upcoming elections.

This explicit warning from Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu signals a heightened enforcement posture against political thuggery and violence. Lawyers advising political parties, candidates, or campaign organizations in Benue State should be acutely aware of this development. It necessitates strict compliance with electoral laws to avoid potential legal liabilities and ensure all political campaign conduct in Benue remains peaceful and lawful.

Lawyers advising political parties, candidates, or campaign organizations in Benue State should be aware of this explicit warning from the Commissioner of Police. It signals heightened enforcement against political thuggery and violence, necessitating strict compliance with electoral laws to avoid potential legal liabilities and ensure peaceful campaign activities.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH