By Emmanuel Ntekim
As activities for the 2026 National Police Day celebration gather momentum nationwide, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Mohammed Baba Azare, on Wednesday took the campaign for peace, civic responsibility and road safety to Itam Market, one of the busiest commercial centres in the state.
The high-profile sensitization exercise, held as part of Day 3 activities of the week-long celebration, focused on two pressing issues ahead of the 2027 general elections the rejection of electoral violence and strict compliance with traffic rules.
Addressing traders, transport operators, market leaders and residents, CP Azare warned against political thuggery, hate speech and all forms of violence capable of threatening peace before, during and after elections.
He reminded the public that democracy can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, urging citizens not to allow themselves to be manipulated by desperate politicians seeking to disrupt the electoral process.
“Elections are not wars; they are a civic exercise to choose leaders. I implore every resident of Akwa Ibom State to see themselves as ambassadors of peace. Do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments of violence by desperate politicians. Your vote is your power protect it without shedding blood,” the police commissioner stated.
The CP stressed that the police would continue to prioritize public enlightenment as a preventive policing strategy aimed at reducing crime, violence and civil unrest.
Beyond election security, the police boss also raised concern over the rising rate of road crashes caused by reckless driving, overloading and violation of traffic regulations.
He urged both commercial and private motorists to obey road signs, avoid dangerous driving habits and prioritize safety, especially as vehicular movement is expected to increase during the election period and the rainy season.
The sensitization campaign featured the distribution of flyers and pamphlets carrying peace and road safety messages, while senior officers and personnel of the command joined in an awareness walk through the busy market corridors, engaging directly with traders, commuters and transport workers.
The exercise, police authorities said, was simultaneously replicated by Divisional Police Officers across their various Areas of Responsibility (AORs) in line with the nationwide programme for the 2026 Police Day celebration.
The week-long activities will climax on April 7, 2026, with the national grand finale at Eagle Square, Abuja, where commands across the country are expected to participate in ceremonial events and tactical displays.
