From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
Kano State Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called on the Police to set an example by arresting big shots among politicians who engage in hate speeches and public incitement to serve as deterrent to others.
The President of the CSO, Ibrahim Waiya made the call during a peace summit organized by the police in collaboration with Aminu Magashi Foundation, AMG held, ahead of the 2023 elections in Kano.
Waiya said the police must take decisive action against defaulters irrespective of their status if it is serious about bringing about sanity that will translate to peace and stability of the state.
He cited instance with the recent unguarded statement attributed to the Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and called for his arrest.
According to Waiya, “if truly the security agencies want to address political thuggery in the state, they have to show an example by arresting some of the big shots who are involved in uncomplimentary statement which is threatening the peace and security of the state.
“I made a particular emphasis on utterances of the Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa where he was recently quoted saying “you either vote APC or face the consequences”.
“We requested the security agency to arrest him and make him an example if they want to address hate speeches.
“We have also earlier condemned the hate speeches made by the Chairmen of APC and NNPP.
“So if truly the security agencies want to address political thuggery in the state, they have to show an example by arresting some of the big shots,” Waiya however stated.
On his part, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Dauda said the matter was not swept under the carpet as it is carrying out investigation on the utterances by the politicians.
The Police Boss however said the peace summit was organized to bring together all critical stakeholders under one roof to review their roles, responsibilities, dos and don’ts towards ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman, Kano State Council of Imams, Dr. Nasir Adam called on the contestants to embrace peace saying election is not do or die affairs.
The religious leader said whoever lost in the race should accept defeat and embrace the winner in order to work together for the growth and development of the state and the nation at large.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner of Police, Mamman Dauda said the command has put politicians under watch, stressing that it would not spare anyone found breaking electoral law.
According to Dauda, the event was organized to sensitize politicians and electorates on free and fair election.
He said the Police would check the menace of thuggery, bill board breaking and other election malpractices, ensuring that there would be a peaceful election in the state.
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