As the 2023 polls were fast approaching, the Non-State Actors especially Ebubeagu operatives were warned not to participate in the electioneering processes as provided by the 2022 Electoral Act.
The Commissioner of Police of the Ebonyi Command, CP Aliyu Garba, stated this Tuesday during his meeting with the State Resident Electoral Commission (REC), political party stakeholders and local government chairmen in the preparation for the forthcoming elections.
CP Garba, said, the Provision of the Electoral Act 2022 Section 91 has expressly provided that only the Security Agencies shall have a role to play in the electioneering process as it relates to the conduct of political rallies and processions.
According to him, "The Commissioner of Police in each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, shall provide adequate security for the proper and peaceful conduct of political rallies and processions in their respective jurisdictions and, for this purpose, the Police may be supported by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and any other security agency of the Federal Government"
He explained that "the import of the above provision of the Electoral Act 2022 expressly prohibits Non-State Actors, especially Ebubeagu to participate in the electioneering process in whatsoever capacity."
He emphasized the need for the gathering with the relevant stakeholders, hence this period of election as enshrined in Section 91, subsection 5 and the 6 of Electoral Act 2022 as amended, would enable them to brainstorm on election security matters in the context.
He appreciated the stakeholders for accepting his invitation, especially during this crucial period of election as policing is the act of maintenance of law and order, in collaboration with other security, agencies by making sure that the state environment remains secure.
He noted that all these strategies become indelible from a proper synergy with critical stakeholders and the government to achieve a conducive election process.
He further noted that Section 92 of the Electoral Act 2022 expressly prohibits politicians during political campaigns from making use of slogans tainted with Abusive language directly or indirectly to avoid any action that will cause a breach of public peace.
On political rallies and campaigns, the CP observed that "generally speaking, all political parties have the right to campaign and conduct their rally with the stipulations of the Law devoid of the breakdown of Laws and Orders in the State.
He urged the critical stakeholders in the general election, to mobilize and campaign to the electorate in an orderly manner to avoid infringement on the fundamental rights of the residents.
He reiterated the stand of the electoral act against the involvement of non-State actors in the electioneering process.
"The South East Security Outfit (Ebubeagu) has no role in the electioneering campaign and they are not created for any political purposes rather they are to complement the security architecture of the State with the State Actors. Therefore, no LG Chairman nor political party stakeholders should engage the Ebubeagu bearing arms of what calibre for a whatsoever reason as Ebubeagu are not created for their political aggrandizement rather they are to strengthen the security of the State as non-state actors."
"Therefore anyone found wanting will be dealt with accordingly. As such, the LG Chairmen and all political stakeholders including aspirants are hereby warned and reminded that no one is above the law and anyone who goes contrary to the provision of the extant laws shall be arrested and prosecuted accordingly."
The CP reminded the political parties of the need to notify the commander of their political rallies and campaigns to provide adequate security coverage.
"Political parties are expected to make known to the Command and other Security Agencies in the State their campaign schedules /timetable and to notify the Police whenever they are to embark on campaign/rallies for security clearance and coverage."
He enjoined political leaders to warn their loyalists against the indiscriminate destruction of billboards and posters of opposing political parties.
"All of you are loyalists of your various political parties and you are expected to warn your supporters not to destroy billboards of your opponent and in case you sighted anyone doing so, you have the right to arrest such unscrupulous fellow and handover same to the nearest Police Station/Security Agent and not to take laws into your hands by beating or assaulting the person."
