The Cross River Police Command says adequate preparations have been made to ensure peaceful electioneering campaigns and conduct of the 2023 general elections in the state.

Sule Balarabe, the Commissioner of Police in the state, said this when the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nsa Gill, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Calabar.

Mr Balarabe said the command was collaborating with critical stakeholders to ensure peaceful campaigns and elections.

“We can assure you that the 2023 campaigns and elections in Cross River are going to be very peaceful,” he said.

The police boss added, “We are collaborating with the traditional and religious leaders, youths and critical stakeholders to see how we can come together to ensure that all forms of violence are reduced and minimised.”

He urged the youths and candidates to shun violence, just as he assured all political parties of fairness before, during and after the polls.

He pledged that the command would conscientiously operate on the principles of justice, equity and fairness.

Earlier, Mr Gill informed the commissioner that the visit was to enhance the existing relationship between the media and the command, especially as the commissioner had just assumed office.

He said it was important for the media and the police to collaborate on information dissemination ahead of the polls.

Mr Gill also briefed the commissioner on the planned media week of the state council of NUJ, scheduled to hold between November 22 and 27. 

(NAN)