By Ralph Madugu
The Plateau Initiative for the Development and Advancement of the Natives, PIDAN, has appealed to all citizens and political actors in the state to conduct themselves calmly and remain peaceful during the forthcoming Local Government Council elections in Plateau State.
The umbrella body of all ethnic nationalities in Plateau State made the appeal in a statement signed and issued by PIDAN Secretary General, Comrade Nanle Gujor, and cautioned citizens against acts capable of derailing the fragile peace being in enjoyed in the state.
“We have had too many crises. We therefore call on citizens to avoid anything that will rear the ugly face of any crises”, the statement said, adding that any disagreement should be settled amicably, through genuine channels, instead of taking the law into your hands.”
While urging politicians to guards against “reckless utterances” and avoid actions that may breach of peace, PIDAN called on community leaders to ensure that the elections are conducted under peaceful atmosphere within their respective domains and ensure vigilance and report any person or groups who try to cause or exhibit negative tendencies to the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Police has reassured security for peace loving citizens in the state ahead of the Saturday LG elections across the 17 LGAs.
A statement signed by the Police Command spokesperson, ASP Ubah Gabriel said that the State Command has ordered “massive deployment of Police personnel to all polling units and other strategic areas to provide tight security before, during and after the elections across all the LGAs in the state.
The statement read in part said: “It has also come to the notice of the Command that certain individuals and groups have hatched plans to disrupt the state of peace in the State especially during this period.
“The Command hereby warns these person (s) or groups to have a rethink and drop any such nefarious plans for their own interest and the interest of peace in the State.
Furthermore, the Command also wishes to use to medium to remind the general public that the ban on public procession by whatever guise is still in force and failure to adhere to this directive may result to sanction.”
Reaffirming its resolve towards protection of lives and properties of law abiding citizens, the statement admonished political parties to caution their members against any act that could lead to the breach of law and order.
It also implored residents to report any suspicious movements and emergency to the nearest police formation or the Command’s emergency through any of these hotlines: 070594730222, 08038907662 or 09053872296.