Cross River State Police Command has cautioned political support groups and supporters of political candidates against defacing and destroying opponents’ billboards.
This is even as political campaigns kick-started yesterday, 28 September 2022 for next year’s general election in the country.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aminu Alhassan gave the caution in a statement signed by the command’s PRO, Irene Ugbo.
He condemned the report of malicious destruction of campaign billboards and posters across the state by suspected political thugs.
He described the reported action as “uncivilized acts that can plunge the state into major political crisis,”, urging security agencies to address the challenges before such goes out of proportion.
He said, “as a peace-loving state, we will not sit by and watch individuals or groups become unruly to extent of destroying legitimate properties.
He also assured that they will ensure that the status of Cross River as a peaceful state remains
He also cautioned political actors against utilising violent groups in their campaigns throughout the duration of the electoral process.
He advised non-state actors to keep away from forming quasi-security units to heat up the political activities in the state.
“As the political contest is a civilized process for electing leaders and not a contest for brigandage. The Nigeria Police Force Cross River State Command is calling on the political class to eschew the involvement of cultists and violent groups in the campaign and the electoral process.
He said the Command will deal decisively with any individual or group that inducts violence as a means to further their advantage.