Aminu Alhassan, Commissioner of Police in Cross River, has said that the capacity of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to mediate among parties would be tested during the upcoming by-election in the state.
Alhassan made this known when the newly elected state executives of IPAC, led by its chairman, Mr Ogar Osim, called on him.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the by-election for the seat of the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Akpabuyo State Constituency would be held on 26 of Feb. 2022.
According to the commissioner, “this visit is timely for it has enabled us to kick start work towards the by-election which will serve as a test for the general elections.
He called for regular meetings between IPAC and the Police, promising to include IPAC during the next visit of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to Cross River state and also visit IPAC’s office in the state.
Speaking earlier, Osim said the efforts of the police at improving security in the state had been remarkable.
He said IPAC considered it necessary to visit the police command considering their unavoidable role in maintaining peace, orderliness and security of lives and property.
He said that being the umbrella body of registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC has among other duties, the roles of ensuring that political parties strengthen and deepen internal democracy.
The Chairman added that it was their role to encourage good governance at all levels as well as the sensitization of the electorate on the need to participate responsibly in the electioneering processes.
“Our statutory duty will be easily achieved with the support of relevant key players in the polity such as the police, hence our wish to visit you today.
“Our wish is to ensure a violence free by-election next month as well as the general election next year, he said.
In his remarks, Mr Chris Eyibio, IPAC’s state organizing secretary, called for synergy between IPAC and the Police during and after the elections.
Eyibio added that the partnership would help in curbing some of the ills perpetuated by politicians in the system. (NAN)
