By Jimitota Onoyume

PORT HARCOURT— Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 6, Calabar, Cross River State, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, has enjoined politicians to educate their supporters on the need to pursue the path of peace before and after the general elections.

Speaking at a sensitization workshop on violence free elections organised by his zone in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for all the states in zone 6, Ogunsakin said it was imperative for youths to be properly enlightened against electoral violence.

He appealed to politicians to seek redress in court over any issue they feel aggrieved about instead of resorting to voilence.

He said: “Nigerians (especially the youths) need to be properly enlightened and encouraged on the need to eschew electoral violence. They have to be educated through diverse means on the need to be law abiding and to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice in a civilized, orderly and peaceful manner. Furthermore, political office seekers at various levels must be encouraged to ventilate whatever grievances that arise from the conduct of elections in a competent court of law.”

Assuring that the Police will effectively provide security during the elections, Ogunsakin enjoined politicians to play by the rule, stressing that they should avoid making inflammatory statements that could provoke electoral violence.

“I am urging all politicians, stakeholders, and political actors to play the game according to the rules.

“It is imperative all hands must be on deck towards ensuring secure, credible and peaceful elections. Political parties should serve as avenues for enlightening members on how elections that are devoid of violence can be conducted. As such, they should serve as platforms for political harmony and development,” he added.