Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CRARN) has cautioned politicians in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general, against instigating violence during the governorship and State Assembly polls.
The State Director of CRARN, Otuekong Franklin Isong, who raised the alarm over an alleged planned importation of thugs to institute violence during the election in the state, said such a plot is not in the interest of the good people of the state.
Isong, who spoke during a press conference at Shakespeare Hall, Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, on Wednesday, called on the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to beef up security in the state, especially in riverine areas before, during and after the elections to avert security crisis.
He cautioned politicians against heating the polity, saying they should not assume power on the blood of Akwa Ibom citizens, and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to gear up to its responsibilities
“Worrisome to us is the fact that our intelligence network has revealed that some politicians in Akwa Ibom State are perfecting plots to import thugs as well as fake security personnel from neighbouring states, particularly Rivers, Abia and Bayelsa States, with the intention to subvert the vote and wishes of the Akwa Ibom people during the governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
“We hereby call on the Nigerian Police and other law enforcement agencies to be on alert and rise to the occasion of ensuring that the state remains peaceful while Akwa Ibom people go out to elect the governor and state Assembly members of their choice.
“We urge the security agencies in the state to pay serious attention to our riverine bordering communities before, during and after the elections.
“We appeal to the political class, particularly the governorship candidates and their supporters, not to approach the forthcoming elections with a do-or-die spirit but with the spirit of sportsmanship.
“Of paramount concern to them should be the interest, peace and growth of Akwa Ibom State. No political office is worth the blood of any Akwa Ibomites. At the end of the elections, only one person would occupy the office of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Akwa Ibom people would be the winners.
“The political parties and the elites, in particular, should see elections as processes to elect leaders by the people and not warfare. There should be reform in the country’s electoral system to address aforementioned observations and other shortcomings in our electoral system,” Isong stated.
