Politics Should Not Be Reason To Destroy Kwara

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) and safety companies have warned politicians towards inciting violence earlier than, throughout, and after the 2027 common elections in Kwara State.

The representatives of the ACF, IEDPU and the safety companies gave the warning at a lecture themed, “Mitigating Electoral Violence in Kwara State Before and After the 2027 General Elections”, organised by the state’s chapter of the ACF.

The audio system on the occasion admonished politicians to not use politics as a purpose to destroy Kwara.

In his deal with, the chairman of the ACF, Kwara State chapter, Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf, mentioned the lecture was organised to stress the necessity for all stakeholders to work to make sure a peaceable election within the state.

He warned politicians towards using youths for thuggery whereas urging spiritual establishments to stay centres for sustaining peaceable coexistence within the state.

Yusuf charged the safety companies to stay skilled and neutral within the discharge of their duties earlier than, throughout and after the elections

Also talking, the nationwide president of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alh Abdulmumi Abdulmalik, represented by Col. Kareem Adisa (rtd), mentioned that the peace of the state and the nation as an entire needs to be a precedence for the political class.

For his half, the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, mentioned the safety companies within the state would guarantee peaceable elections.

Adekimi urged politicians to at all times notify the police about their programmes to keep away from clashes throughout the marketing campaign.

While calling for issue-based campaigns, the Commissioner of Police suggested politicians to tolerate each other throughout political campaigns, as they might stay one household after the election.

The INEC resident electoral commissioner within the state, Alh Ahmed Yushau Garki, represented by the executive secretary, Alh Abdul Azeez Ibrahim, suggested politicians to play the sport of politics in accordance with the provisions of the regulation.

In his paper titled: “The Strategic Role of Traditional, Religious, Political and Community Leaders In Peace Building, Intelligence Gathering and Collective Security”, a deputy commissioner of police, Idachaba Adamu, mentioned all stakeholders ought to play their half to forestall electoral violence.

“Let each conventional ruler change into an envoy of peace. Let each political chief display accountable management. Let each group chief promote vigilance and lawful reporting. Let each safety company uphold professionalism and impartiality. Let our youths reject thuggery, let our ladies proceed to strengthen group peace, and let the media promote reality and accountable communication.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, let us make a solemn commitment to ourselves and future generations:  Never again should politics become a reason to destroy the peace of Kwara State,” Idachaba acknowledged.