As political parties officially kickstart campaigns for various elective positions in Rivers State, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have intensified calls for a peaceful, non-violent campaign ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The call was made on Wednesday, 28 September 2022 at a One-Day Interactive Session convened by the Rivers State Police Command in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Port Harcourt for candidates seeking elective offices on registered political platforms.

In his opening remarks, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday described the meeting as reflective of the people’s desire for a peaceful state, stressing that it was imperative, therefore, for political parties to meet and synergise to that effect.

He charged political parties to present campaign timetables to the police for verification and approval at least 48 hours earlier to avoid a clash with other political parties who intend to use the same area for campaigns.

He said political parties should be willing to make concessions when adjustments are made to the timetable, charging officers and men of the State Police Command to maintain neutrality and show respect for human rights when dealing with political parties.

On his part, INEC’s Assistant Director, Voter Education and Publicity in Rivers State, Mark Osuro reminded the political parties, their candidates and all other stakeholders of the restrictions emplaced by the Electoral Act on the use of foul language, campaign in worship centres, police stations and even public offices.

He asserted that such actions having been outlawed by the Electoral Act would no longer be tolerated by INEC, enjoining the candidates to avoid smear campaigns and deliberate use of language that impedes the administrative capacity of other candidates.

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Desmond Akawor commended the State Commissioner of Police for convening the meeting but expressed his displeasure over the absence of the Nigerian Army, which, in his remarks, “was always present during elections”.

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya appealed to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to call their supporters in Ahoada LGA to order, disclosing that a PDP member in Ahoada, who is dissatisfied with her membership of the SDP, has been making threats against her life.

She called on the Rivers State Police Command to intervene and avail adequate protection from the said PDP member.

Other speakers at the event include the Labour Party House of Assembly candidate, Tammy Clarice Angosi, who called on the police to beam their searchlight on miscreants who pull down the campaign posters of perceived opponents.

The meeting, which held at the Police Officers Mess in Old GRA, Port Harcourt, had in attendance the Head of sister security agencies including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and candidates of the various political parties.