Presidential and gubernatorial candidates have been directed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command before campaigning in any part of the state as the country counts down to the February 2015 polls.

A directive to this effect was handed down by the state police commissioner, Mr. Gabriel Achong, yesterday in Uyo during an interactive session with political stakeholders, traditional rulers and security leaders in the state.

CP Achong stated that the measure had become necessary to checkmate the increasing political tension arising from the on-going campaigns in the country.

“This important meeting is geared towards ensuring violence-free campaigns and credibility in the forth-coming general elections,” he stated.

The CP identified causes of political violence to include, inciting and provocative statements, do-or-die syndrome and thuggery.

Others, he said, were destruction of opponents’ posters and bill boards, intimidation and making undeserved business out of politics.

Achong noted that the resultant violence usually leads to arson, murder, maiming, and malicious damage, adding: “All these are serious offences which are liable to severe punishment under the law.”

The police commissioner said that as ways to avert election violence, all political leaders, stakeholders, aspirants, their supporters, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies must observe and respect the rule of law.

“Nothing, either directly or indirectly should be done or sponsored to sabotage the electoral system and the government,” Achong stated, adding that all political players must adopt the spirit of sportsmanship and accept defeat in good faith.

Responding, the political stakeholders and the royal fathers applauded CP Achong for the interaction which they described as “very informative and encouraging” and promised to take the message to their supporters and subjects.

News Express quotes the theme of the interactive session as, “The need to stop inciting and making of provocative statements and why violence must be eschewed during and after political campaigns.”

•Photo shows Akwa Ibom CP, Gabriel Achong receiving a souvenir during a courtesy call on Governor Godswill Akpabio.