By Able Winnard
Few hours to the Biase, Obanliku, and Yala Local Government Areas by-elections scheduled for Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, the Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has warned against electoral violence.
The Command in a press release issued on Friday by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo for the Commissioner of Police – CP Gyogon Grimah, called for a tranquil and violence-free election atmosphere, saying “is not a do-or-die affair but a game of choice”.
The State Police boss however, warned all the political elites or supporters, electorates, and candidates to play by the rules and shun tendencies of violence, breakdown of law and order before, during, and after the rerun election, as the Force will not hesitate to deal decisively to the offenders.
He encourages members of the public especially electorates in the election LGAs to use the provided distress lines – 08133568456 and 07041777060 or its Whatsapp number – 07041777060 and the X (former Twitter) handle @Cross River State Police Command.
“The Cross River State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the forthcoming rerun election is scheduled to hold on the 3 February 2024.
“In view of the above, the command has decided to make available the underlisted helplines for the general public/electorates in case of emergency.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Police Command, CP GA. Grimah, PSC, FCAI, warned all the political elites/supporters, electorates, and contenders to play by the rules and shun tendencies of violence, breakdown of law and order before, during, and after the re-run election.
“Furthermore, massive deployment of police officers and other security agencies has been strategically concluded for the peaceful conduct of the voting exercise. The command will not hesitate to decisively deal with any person or group of persons who may want to truncate the peace enjoyed in the State.
“Once again, election is not a do-or-die affair but a game of choice, please.”