By Saheed Afolabi
As part of measures to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of general elections in Mushin, the Area D Police Command has partnered with leadership of Mushin Local Government to organise a peace meeting among members of political parties and community under its command.
Speaking at the meeting, the Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, A. A. Shika, informed representatives of the political parties of the responsibility of police to guard the election process and prevent any form of disturbance as the police command has no interest other than maintenance of peace and order before, during and after the election.
He confirmed that Lagos is the most peaceful state in Nigeria compared to other states he has worked.
In his address, the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye, who emphasized on peaceful, free and fair election, warned political parties against coercing electorate to vote their candidates instead, they should use their campaign to canvass the people for votes. He also advised against the use of derogatory words against one another, during campaign and he warned anyone or group of persons planning to distrupt the peaceful election process as such person or group will face the full wrath of law, regardless of his status in the society.
Bamigboye appealed to members of the Community Development Associations, to warn their children against using the roads as football field, during election as security agencies will not tolerate such. He affirmed that the entire Mushin community must be peaceful and free of any rancour as security agencies will be patrolling every street to deal with anyone trying to cause disharmony or violence during the election period. He stated that February 25 and March 11 are strictly for elections not for party or football.
According to the Assistant Electoral Officer – Mr Muyiwa Oshideru, who represented the Electoral Officer for Mushin Local Government, he confirmed the readiness and full preparedness of INEC for the election as all arrangements have been made for the election. He stated that those without PVC should not come near the polling units as it remains the only tool that qualifies anyone to vote. He also mentioned that the commission is currently conducting series of training for its staff, in preparation for the general elections.
All the political parties present pledged their support and cooperation towards ensuring a peaceful election in Mushin Local Government and other LGA/LCDAs under the Area D Command.
The All Progressives Congress candidates for House of Assembly – Hon. Yinka Kazeem, appealed to candidates and party leaders to caution their loyalists and supporters against defacing of posters belonging to their opponents. His House of Representatives colleague – Hon. Toyin Fayinka warned those without PVC to stay away from polling units while all candidates should maintain cordial relationship because those in opposition today might find themselves in the same political party tomorrow.
Candidates of other political parties, with their party chairmen, from Mushin LGA, Odi Olowo LCDA, Isolo LCDA and Ejigbo LCDA, were all in attendance.
The Olu of Mushin land, HRM Oba Fatai Ayinla Aileru was represented by his son – Prince Yahya Abiola Aileru, who thanked the Area Commander for the peace meeting. He appealed to all the parties to maintain peace during election.
Other notable personalities who spoke at the meeting included: Chairman of APC in Mushin – Alhaji Babatunde Shitta Bey, Chairman of Labour party in Mushin – Hon. Akeem Goriola with his House of Assembly candidate, Seriki of Ijesha, PCRC chairman in Isolo/Ajao Estate and Okota – Barr. Leo Ikeagwu, Vice chairman of PDP in Lagos West – Chief Sunday Olaifa, APC LGA Secretary of Ejigbo LCDA – Mr. Jide Rasaq, CDA chairman of Odi Olowo – Mr. Abiola Elegbeleye, Chairman of Labour party from Ejigbo LCDA – Mr. Obinna.
Also with the chairman were Hon. Tunbosun Aruwe – Vice chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Olamide Williams – Leader of Legislative Arm of the Council, Mrs. Olubunmi Gbadamosi – Council Secretary, Supervisor for Special Duties – Mr. Hafisu Talabi, CDC Chairman of Mushin – Alhaji Olatunde Okuwobi, Eze Monday Lawrence – Baba Oja of Ladipo market, and other party leaders in Mushin with the Chief Imam – Alhaji Sheihk Sulaimon Olanijo.
The Area Commander used the opportunity to introduce all the Division Police Officers in charge of the various divisions under Area D to all the stakeholders at the meeting. They include stations like, Alakara, Olosan, Itire, Ijesha, Aswani, Isolo, Ire Akari, Ajao Estate, Okota and Ejigbo.
All the political party chairman promised to take the message home to their members and ensure they cooperate with the police to maintain peace throughout the election period.
