The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 8, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, has urged political stakeholders and supporters in Kwara State to shun hate speech, violence and other actions capable of threatening the peace of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otimenyin made the call on Friday, September 11, while addressing stakeholders in the state, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to destroy the existing peaceful relationship among the people of Kwara.
According to her, members of different political parties are often from the same families, making it dangerous for political disagreements to degenerate into violence.
“Everybody can be in any political party. You may be in one party, your brother in another, your mother in another, and your sister in another,” she said.
The AIG urged political actors to remember that the outcome of an election should not come at the cost of human lives, noting that victory by one political party should not turn members of other parties into enemies.
She warned that violence could ultimately affect the families and communities of those involved.
“If you cause trouble and somebody gets injured, it might be one of your family members. Therefore, let us be careful. Let us avoid hate speech. Let us avoid things that will cause trouble,” Otimenyin said.
She also reminded stakeholders that political power is temporary and that losing an election does not mean the end of one’s political aspirations.
“If you don’t win today, you might eventually win tomorrow,” she said, while urging political actors to accept the outcome of elections peacefully.
The AIG further called on stakeholders to protect the peace for which Kwara State is known, stressing that maintaining peace is a collective responsibility and not one that should be left to the police alone.
“Kwara is peaceful because the citizens allowed it to be peaceful. If you do not allow it, the place cannot be peaceful,” she said.
She urged citizens to remain law-abiding, warning against the use of provocative language, sensitive issues and political rhetoric capable of creating tension in the state.
“Don’t scatter it with politics. Don’t spoil it with hate speech. Don’t destroy it with sensitive issues,” she cautioned.
Otimenyin emphasised that the police require the cooperation of political stakeholders and members of the public to effectively maintain law and order.
“This is an assignment for all of us. The police cannot do the work alone. We need you, the same way you need us,” she said.
Police Promises Greater Professionalism
The AIG also assured residents of a new approach to policing, saying the Nigeria Police Force is committed to greater professionalism, respect for human rights and improved relations with members of the public.
She said the ongoing attitudinal change within the police, driven by the Inspector-General of Police, would ensure that officers operate within the law and respect the rights of citizens.
“I also want you to know that the police have a new face now. The new face is that you will be respected. The police will be more professional in handling things. The police will ensure that your human rights are protected. Nobody is going to be treated like an animal,” she said.
According to her, police officers are not expected to arbitrarily stop citizens and search their phones or detain individuals for offences committed by other persons.
She added that members of the public with complaints against police personnel or units have avenues for redress, noting that the doors of the Commissioner of Police, the AIG and the Inspector-General of Police remain open to genuine complaints.
The AIG’s message comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with stakeholders expected to play a critical role in ensuring that political competition does not undermine the peace and security of Kwara State.