The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Jigawa State, Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the killing and destruction of posters and billboards during the 2023 campaign rallies in the state.
Ringim made the call while speaking after signing the peace accord held at police headquarters in Dutse, Jigawa State.
He explained that the issue is not signing the peace agreement but the politicians following it.
Ringim said it was pathetic and disheartening with the happenings during campaign rallies, where some unscrupulous politicians who think they are above the law sponsored some youths to attack their opponents and destroyed their billboards after signing the peace accord.
Two persons were killed and many injured in different instances during the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, campaign rallies at Maigatari and Kazaure local governments.
Ringim, however, accused police of inability to prosecute the perpetrators and their candidates to prevent future occurrences and ensure a peaceful conduct of the Saturday elections.
He called on police and other security agencies to be vigilant and steadfast to ensure those behind the crises were brought to book irrespective of their positions or status.
While reacting to the allegations, the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ekot Effiom, said perpetrators of the crimes had been arrested and the cases have been transferred to courts.
According to him, “all cases related to political violence during the 2023 campaign rallies were treated and the suspects were taken to court for prosecution.”
He noted that police will not fold their arms while innocent citizens are killed and properties destroyed.