The Enugu State Police Command has commenced investigation into the alleged disruption of political gatherings, while warning it would not tolerate any act of political violence in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Sunday in Enugu.
Ndukwe said the state commissioner of police has directed the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to thoroughly investigate two separate incidents of alleged disruption of political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area on September 12, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
The statement added that the state police commissioner reiterated the position during his meeting with leaders of political parties in the state, where he declared that that all political activities must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
The command stressed that electoral offences remain punishable under the law and warned political parties, candidates, their supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation, destruction of property or any conduct capable of disrupting public peace and the electoral process.
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The command urged political parties and stakeholders to promptly notify the police of their campaigns, meetings, rallies and other gatherings to facilitate appropriate security arrangements.
“The command will continue to maintain a peaceful and secure environment for lawful political activities and deal decisively with anyone who violates the law,” the statement warned.
It would be recalled that the first incident occurred at the Ndiuno-Obuoffia community, where it was alleged that armed hoodlums disrupted the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ward meeting and injuring two attendees.
The second occurred at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, where hoodlums also allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs prepared for a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally.
