As 2023 political campaigns commence, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Friday Eboka, on Wednesday, invited all political parties, their candidates and other stakeholders in the state to chart a way forward in order to achieve violence-free elections.
CP Eboka in his address during the meeting said the police in the state have been “charged” to ensure safety and security of persons and properties “throughout the electoral process”.
The Commissioner of Police also charged his men to maintain “neutrality in accordance with electoral act” and advised politicians to “study the electoral act” and abide by it.
CP Eboka warned that “local vigilante” that is not established by the Federal government “has no role in electoral act” and should not be seen anywhere in the electoral process.
The commissioner also advised youths not to allow themselves to be used by politicians.
On his part, the Assistant Director, Voter Education and Publicity of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Rivers State, Mark Osuro, warned politicians against using “government properties to support political parties and candidates”.
He also charged political parties to notify the police “24 hours before organizing rallies for approval”.
Representatives of the Nigerian Navy, Army, Nigerians Security and Civil Defence Corps, Immigration, Custom and Civil Society Organizations were present at the interactive session.
