2023: Gov Ishaku Cautions Taraba Politicians Against Inciting Violence

The Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, has cautioned politicians across the state, particularly those eying elective positions to shun divisiveness during their electioneering campaigns to herald 2023 elections, saying there was need for political actors to prioritise peace in Taraba.

He explained that since 2022 would be jampacked with political activities, particularly parties primaries that would produced candidates for elective positions, there was need for political gladiators to shun inciting rhetoric that could worsen security situation in the state. 

The governor who gave the warning in his new year message, urged the politicians to play by the rule and ensure the will of the people prevail in their collective pursuit to emerge political office holders. 

Aside from the politicians, the governor also appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, parents, and guardians to ensure they cautioned their congregants, children and wards to resist the urge of being used as political thugs by desperate office seekers. 

"In the run-up to the 2023 general election, political activity will pick significantly in 2022. All political parties would hold primaries to select candidates for various political offices. As a result, I implore individuals who intend to run for office to exercise restraint. Let us play the game by the rules so that the will of the people is respected and protected at the end of the day.

"I would also like to appeal to religious leaders, traditional rulers, parents, and guardians to keep a tight grip on the youths so that they do not become agents of instability in the hands of misguided individuals seeking power at any cost. Because our common humanity transcends our ethnic, religious, and political ties, we must protect the sanctity of all lives, Ishaku said in his message. 

He also promised to improve the livelihood of Tarabans, adding that no efforts would be spared in protecting residents of the state from marauding murderers.

"Late last year, I had the opportunity of donating Toyota Hilux vans to security organizations in order for them to properly carry out surveillance of the state. Everyone has a civic duty to cooperate and provide pertinent information to law enforcement officials.

"The security forces in the state have made substantial contributions to the reduction of armed banditry, herdsmen/farmers clashes, tribal feuds, and kidnapping and therefore need our cooperation," Ishaku added. 

He also urged the residents to make a solemn pledge to be decent citizens by providing fair share, no matter how small, to make the state a better place for everybody.

According to him, we can only accomplish this if we follow the law and inculcate the spirit of love, togetherness, and being our brother's keeper. Our watchword should be security awareness.