Federal Govt goes tough on political violence

The Federal Government yesterday directed security agents to clamp down on perpetrators of political violence.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who gave the directive, urged security agents to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.

The government also urged party leaders to appeal to their followers to shun violence because it should not be an instrument for actualising political ambitions.

It expressed its abhorence for violence, promising to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against electoral violence.

It said those who foment violence were asking for trouble.

The government said it had resolved to ensure a level-playing field for parties, warning that it would not tolerate views or actions that might jeopardise free, fair and peaceful elections next month.

It said the peace and unity of the country should not be compromised for personal gains.

It assured Nigerians of its commitment to the safety of lives and properties during s the polls.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N5.830billion for the purchase of 95,000 grains as part of the country’s strategic food security programme.

Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. Labaran Maku, with his counterparts for Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho; Police Affairs, Humphrey Abba; Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Amina Al-Zubair, briefed reporters at the end of the weekly FEC meeting.

The ministers echoed the need for politicians and political parties to place national security above personal ambitions.

They urged parties to make the safety of lives and properties a big issue as they canvass for votes.

Abba said the present administration was prepared to apply the laws on anyone caught fomenting trouble in the run-off and during the election period.

He said: “The message is simple: we expect the political parties to play by the rules. We want to use this opportunity to say to our brothers and sisters that they should not be allowed to be used to perpetrate violence. From now on, if we get hold of you perpetrating any act of violence, we will prosecute you. I mean what I am saying. I will apply the laws as it says to all manner of man without let or hindrance.

“We will apply the law to all manner of man, to everybody without exception. So, please, in our collective interest, we want to appeal to everybody to run away from violence. Go and canvass for votes; go and cast your vote without resorting to violence.

“Government, in its responsibility, will arrest the situation. To those of us who are law-abiding, we want to reassure you that your security is assured. Government will guarantee your security and protection. Government will do all within its powers to ensure that you cast your votes freely without being intimidated by anybody.”

Ihenacho said: “We reiterate that the government absolutely abhors violence and the government is going to adopt a policy of zero-tolerance for electoral violence. All those who get themselves involved in it are asking for trouble. The government has resolved to ensure a level-playing field for all political parties and any person out there who has a different idea about how elections should be run, the government wants to state clearly that it will not tolerate such attitude.

“We expect all the political parties to abide by the rules and what the Electoral Act says as it relates to election days. We want to use this opportunity to tell the youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs.”