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As the 2023 gubernatorial elections draw near, Gombe State Police Command has stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among the religious communities in the state.
The appeal was made by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Oqua Etim, during an interactive session he had with the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jamaatu Izalatil Bidi’a wa Ikamatul sunnah (JIBWIS) in the state.
The CP who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Yusufu Muhammed Lawal expressed gratitude to the religious leaders for their continued support and fervent prayers for sustainable security and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the State.
The CP craved the indulgence of the religious leaders to preach to their adherents against the negative use of social media to spread harmful messages, especially on TikTok and Whatsapp which may lead to unrest or breach of peace in the State.
He further stated that religious leaders and their followers should not allow politicians to exploit the teachings of the revered belief system to fan the ember of disunity, bigotry and primordial sentiments which is capable of derailing collective aspirations for a free, fair and credible election,
Oqua Etim urged parents to caution their children/wards not to engage in political thuggery before, during and after the election warning that any individual or group of persons found inciting people on religious divide will be apprehended and prosecuted to face the full wrath of the law,.
The Command assured the citizens of the State of maximum security before, during and after the Electioneering exercise.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Jammatul Nasrul Islam (JNI), Alh Saleh Danburam said they will continue to preach for peace, promote unity among religions and assured the Command of their unfailing support for peace and unity.
He added that Imams under their watch will not involve themselves in partisan politics.
The Chairman, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Joseph Shinga, on his part, noted that peace is the building block of harmonious coexistence.
He emphasized that the spreading of fake and unverified information will heat up the polity, especially now that citizens are ready to go out and perform their franchise as contained in a statement by ASP Mahid Muazu Abubakar, Police Public Relations Officer, Gombe State Command.
End