The Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Oqua Etim has hosted the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Jamaatu Izalatil Bidi’a wa Ikamatul Sunnah (JIBWIS) ahead of the 2023 Gubernatorial elections.
According to a press release signed by the Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mahid Muazu Abubakar said the CP stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among the religious communities.
The CP who was ably represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Yusufu Muhammed Lawal in his remark expressed gratitude to the religious leaders for their continued support and fervent prayers for sustainable security, peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the State.
The CP craved the indulgence of religious leaders to preach to their subordinates against the negative use of social media to spread harmful messages, especially on TikTok and Whatsapp which may lead to unrest or a breach of peace in the State.
He further stated that religious leaders and their followers should not allow politicians to exploit the teachings of our revered belief system to fan the ember of disunity, bigotry, and primordial sentiments which is capable of derailing our collective aspirations for a free, fair, and credible election
In his remark, the Executive Secretary, Jammatul Nasrul Islam (JNI) Alh Saleh Danburam said, they will continue to preach for peace, promote unity among religions, and assures 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 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 the polity, especially now that citizens are ready to go out and perform their franchise.
However the Commissioner of Police urged parents to caution their children/wards not to engage in political thuggery and 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, as the command assures the citizens of the State maximum security before, during and after the Electioneering exercise.
