Candidates in the forthcoming 2023 elections from Umuahia North LGA have been advised to play their politics and go about their campaigns according to the rules or face the legal duties of the Nigeria Police.
The Umuahia North Divisional Police Officer, CSP Lawrence Olurunsola handed down this warning yesterday at the LGA headquarters as party candidates sign undertaken to play according to the rules of politics.
Speaking during the occasion also referred to as signing a peace accord, CSP Olurunsola said “the essence of the accord is for peaceful electioneering campaigns”.
He regretted that campaign posters are defaced and parties harassed, stating, “We therefore came up with a legal framework called ‘Peace Accord’ devoid of religious or ethnic sentiments”.
Recall that a week ago, party chairmen in the state signed a similar accord coordinated by the state Commissioner of Police, Bala Mohamed.
Speaking after the exercise, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Umuahia North State Constituency candidate, Hon. Goddy Ezeocha appreciated the DPO and his command over the exercise stating the obvious need for all to play according to the rules of game of politics.
Hon. Ezeocha called for civility, decorum and respect for others as “it is not a do-or-die affairs”.
Also speaking, the candidate of African democratic Congress, ADC for Umuahia North State Constituency, Rev. Dr. blessed Uchechukwu Amalambu noted, “Politics should not be a do-or-die affair. Unfortunately, many misunderstand it as ‘winner takes all’. Let there be level playground for all, nobody should be abusive”.
He said he has cautioned his supporters to, even in the face of provocation, remain quiet, adding “My posters have been removed and as a result, I have built a ladder so that my posters will be pasted on poles to avoid people tearing or defacing them. We don’t want to lose lives and property because of 2023 elections”.
Also speaking, the ADC Umuahia East State Constituency candidate, Hon. Chiadikobi Elesigwe described the Peace Accord as “a welcome development”, stating that the forthcoming election needs to be peaceful as the election is not a do-or-die affair.
According to him, one is going there to render service and no need to fight, adding “If you kill, who are you going to govern?”
