The Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has expressed sadness over reports of violence largely involving some supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during their recent campaigns.
Zulum, in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, directed the state’s commissioner of police and state director of Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and ensure that all culprits are arrested and prosecuted.
The governor said, “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.
“Instigating political violence is simply being ungrateful to Allah for the peace He is granting us after over 12 years of prayers for His divine intervention.
“Many soldiers, policemen, personnel of the DSS and paramilitary, as well as our volunteers in the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes have given their lives in battle, and many are still on the front lines, working towards the full restoration of peace in Borno State.
“Insha’Allah, we will not allow anyone to reverse the supreme sacrifices of our armed forces and volunteers.”
Zulum appealed to political parties to desist from any form of violence and to campaign peacefully and in accordance with all provisions of the electoral act and the laws of Borno State.
“It is Allah who gives power to whoever He wills, but that divine declaration by the Almighty Allah doesn’t include using unlawful means to acquire power. Moreover, for political offices to be meaningful, the societies for which such offices are established must first exist and do so safely,” he added.
