By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and Security Chiefs have taken a stand against any act of violence before and during the forthcoming 2027 elections in the state, stressing that elections must not become occasions for violence, destruction, hate speeches, blackmail or bloodshed.
They declared the position in Uyo, the state capital on Tuesday during the opening of a-2 day Violence-Free Election Seminar jointly organised by the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Governor Eno, in his address on the occasion warned politicians and their supporters against perpetrating violence and destroying property before and during the 2027 general elections in the state.
He warned also against the use of inciting, divisive, and vile rhetoric, emphasizing that his administration will only support a political environment where every citizen can participate freely without intimidation.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno, speaking on the theme: Promoting Peaceful, Free, Fair, and Credible Elections in Akwa Ibom State, noted that no elective position is worth destroying the reputation of peace, hospitality, and stability that the state has worked hard to build.
“Every political party can legitimately canvass for support, and every voter can exercise his or her constitutional rights without fear, intimidation, or harassment,” Eno said. “Political parties must understand that their opponents are not enemies,” he added
According to him, belonging to different political parties does not make us any less Akwa Ibom people.
“I call on all political leaders, aspirants, and candidates to demonstrate leadership through the language they use and the conduct they encourage among their supporters. We must refrain from inciting the public through divisive and vile rhetoric.
“Our young people must never again be recruited, armed, manipulated, or abandoned after elections. The youth of Akwa Ibom State deserve opportunities, quality education, skills, jobs, and a bright future—not political violence.
“I therefore urge our young men and women to reject anyone who seeks to use them as political thugs. Your future is far greater than any amount of money offered to attack others, destroy property, or disrupt elections.”
He enjoined the Police, DSS, Armed Forces, and other security agencies to strengthen inter-agency collaboration to prevent criminals and political agitators from exploiting institutional gaps.
“Let me make it clear that while the government will continue to guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to political participation and peaceful assembly, nobody will be permitted to hide under the guise of politics to disturb the peace of Akwa Ibom State,” he added.
“Anyone who commits violence, destroys property, attacks opponents, intimidates voters, or breaches the law should expect to face the full consequences of their actions. There will be no sacred cows,” he warned.
On his part, the Police Commissioner, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned political parties and their supporters against thuggery, hate speech, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, possession of dangerous weapons, disruption of political gatherings and attacks on electoral officials, stressing that political competition could never justify violence.
CP Azare, assured that the police would remain neutral, professional, and impartial before, during, and after elections, declaring that their loyalty was to the Constitution and the people they were mandated to protect.
“We remain neutral, professional, and impartial. Our loyalty is to the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to the peace and security of the people we are mandated to protect,” Azare said.
He said credible elections could not be achieved through the efforts of security agencies alone, calling for closer cooperation among the police, DSS, INEC, political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society groups, the media, youths and the general public.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (retd) commended the security agencies for mounting the symposium, and called on politicians and their supporters to play according to rules devoid of violence and harassment of opponents.
Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Akwa Ibom State, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, urged stakeholders to carry the message of the seminar back to their communities and preserve the state’s reputation as a peaceful
Okon, who presented a goodwill message, called for the protection of police officers and other security personnel in the state, praying that God would strengthen them in the discharge of their duties.
