Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has condemned the recent political violence in Borno and directed police to arrest culprits.
The latest is a clash by supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) and People Democratic Party (PDP) in the border town of Banki on Wednesday.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued by Mallam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Zulum directed the State Commissioner of Police to investigate and ensure arrest and prosecution of all culprits.
“I have received reports on renewed acts of political violence in the state. I strongly condemn these extremely unnecessary acts of violence and hereby direct the Commissioner of Police and the DSS to immediately investigate and ensure anyone involved is made to face the full wrath of the law.
“I am directing heads of security agencies under the Borno State security council to immediately convene a meeting with critical representatives of all major political parties, particularly the APC and PDP, get them to sign undertakings and strikingly warn against all acts of violence with punitive measures rolled out for any culprit, especially politicians who might be instigating violence, no matter how highly placed they might be.
“In the meantime, I strongly urge supporters of all political parties not to disseminate false statements that can insight violence. We should endeavor to promote peace”, Zulum said.
The governor who reiterated his stance against political thuggery, said has seen enough violence from the years of insurgency a would amounted to sign of being ingrate to God for anyone trying to instigating political violence.
He noted that with relative peace gained so far across state, his administration was able to resettled close to one million internally displaced persons and refugees in rebuilt communities.
“Our focus, which is very firm, is to sustain our ongoing construction of 10,000 new houses and rehabilitation of thousands of destroyed houses to continue our safe and dignified resettlement, alongside the provision of livelihood support…
“I urge all stakeholders of political parties in particular, party executives, candidates and campaign teams to desist from any form of violence and to campaign peacefully and in accordance with all provisions of the electoral act and laws of Borno State.
“For me, electoral victory should be one that is earned not one that is forced through acts of violence,” Zulum added.
