NOA Warns Borno Politicians Against Use Of Thugs To Cause Violence

THE Borno State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Friday warned politicians to desist from using thugs to perpetrate any acts of “indiscipline and violence” in the state.

  This was contained in statement signed by its state Director, Alhaji Yahya Imam, and made available to The Guardian in Maiduguri.

  He said: “The agency is saddened by the recent act of indiscipline recently perpetrated by persons believed to be political miscreants against some prominent personalities in the state.

  “This includes the attack on the Governor Kashim Shettima’s convoy last Sunday and burning down of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign secretariats in Krikasama road in the metropolis.”

  Imam stated that if such incidences are allowed to continue unchecked, it would lead to inter-party conflicts and crises that could definitely degenerate to political unrest capable of disrupting the peace recently recorded in the state capital and beyond.

  Imam added: “In the light of the above, therefore, the directorate appeals to all party leaders and supporters to exhibit high level of maturity in all their political activities and programmes.

  “Political actors should always respect leaders and leaderships and play the game of politics according to the laid down rules and regulations.

“They should be law-abiding citizens and always exhibit the spirit of politics without bitterness.

  “That is why the security agencies have a very important role to play toward securing peace and unity and ensuring that perpetrators don’t go scot-free. 

  “We, therefore, wish to seize this opportunity to further appeal to all our traditional and spiritual leaders, as well as our elders in the state to intervene through their continued prayers so as to bring a lasting peace in the state.”