The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr Gabriel Achong, has warned politicians in the state against using youths as political thugs in the forthcoming general elections.
Achong gave the warning at a political stakeholders meeting to sensitise politicians on violent-free elections, in Uyo on Friday.
He advised parents to ensure that their children and wards were not used by politicians to achieve selfish ambitions.
He pointed out that provocative and inciting statements were ‘’root causes’’ of political violence in the country.
“Do not allow politicians to use your children and wards as tools to achieve their aims in next month’s general elections.
“Politicians should abhor inciting and provocative statements as these are the root causes of political violence.
“It is our hope that all should embrace peace before, during and after the elections,” he said.
According to Achong, politicians should discuss issues during campaigns and stop castigating each other.
He advised candidates seeking elective positions to adopt the spirit of sportsmanship and accept defeat in good faith or seek redress through legal means.
He challenged people in the state to lead in the process of ensuring violent-free election in Nigeria.
He said that he would make all candidates in the state to sign memorandum of understanding to be of good conduct before, during and after the election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the stakeholders that attended the meeting promised to ensure peace in their constituencies.