2027: Police, Army, DSS, INEC Engage Religious Leaders Ahead of Polls
Our Reporter
The Plateau State Police Command has held a strategic security meeting with religious leaders in Jos as part of preparations for peaceful 2027 general elections, urging clerics to preach against fake news, hate speech and incitement to violence in their congregations.
The meeting, convened by the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, brought together the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) at the Police Officers’ Mess, Jos.
In his welcome address, CP Faniyan said the meeting was aimed at deliberating on effective strategies for securing worship centres before, during and after the 2027 elections.
He said the Command had put in place security architecture to protect worshippers and places of worship, and advised religious leaders to establish internal security arrangements to support preliminary checks and intelligence gathering.
He warned that places of worship should not be used to incite violence or cause public disorder, and urged religious leaders to continue preaching peace and encouraging their congregants to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau State, Prof. Samuel G. Egwu, commended the police and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace, assuring residents that measures were in place to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections.
Speaking on behalf of other security agencies, Maj. Gen. Dangana assured of strong synergy among agencies to protect lives and property before, during and after the polls, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to jeopardise the electoral process.
He urged religious leaders to use their influence to sensitise their followers on the need to sustain peace.
In their separate responses, CAN and JNI leaders appreciated the Commissioner for convening the meeting and commended the Command for providing a platform for engagement on security and credible elections. They raised concerns and offered suggestions on strengthening security across the state.
Top security chiefs in attendance included the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. Maxwell Dangana; Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Paul Damian; a representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Deputy Director Pongwang Jonah Rimpyen. The Women Association and other stakeholders were also present.
20
Post Comment