As the ban on governorship campaign activities is set to be lifted on September 9, 2029, the Director-General of the Dr. Agbu Kefas Re-Election Campaign Council, Hon. Danladi Baido, has called on supporters of the governor to conduct their campaigns peacefully and focus on issues rather than personal attacks.
Baido, in a statement issued ahead of the commencement of campaign activities, urged supporters and followers of Governor Agbu Kefas to maintain decorum throughout the campaign period, stressing that political campaigns should not be treated as warfare.
According to him, all political actors deserve a peaceful atmosphere in which to canvass for votes, regardless of their political affiliation.
“Campaigns are not wars, and every side of the divide deserves a peaceful atmosphere to run for office,” Baido said.
He also warned against thuggery and other forms of violence, noting that the Taraba State Government had maintained a firm position against pre- and post-election violence.
Baido further drew attention to the anti-thuggery Executive Order reportedly promulgated by Governor Kefas, saying its provisions extend beyond physical violence to activities conducted in cyberspace.
“We should be mindful of the fact that our amiable governor, His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has already proclaimed and promulgated an anti-thuggery Executive Order. This, of course, is not limited to physical violence but also cyberbullying,” he said.
On the use of social media during the campaign, the Campaign Director-General cautioned supporters to exercise restraint in their online activities and be mindful of the legal consequences of abusive or misleading content.
He identified name-calling, false accusations, outright insults, malinformation and false alarms among conduct that could amount to cyberbullying, urging campaigners of all ages to take responsibility for what they publish online.
“The freedom of speech comes with deep responsibility because the consequences of its breach are equally dire,” Baido said.
“I urge younger and older campaigners to be aware of what they put out, as the laws will be in full effect throughout the campaign.”
Baido also appealed to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain steadfast and resist any temptation to take the law into their own hands when provoked by opponents or supporters of rival political parties.
He urged APC campaigners to concentrate on issues affecting the people in their campaign messages and promotional materials, saying efforts were being made to ensure that the electoral process remains safe and peaceful for all participants.
The Campaign DG equally called on media practitioners to uphold fairness and balance in their reportage of the electioneering activities.
He assured journalists and media organisations that the Campaign Council would work closely with the media and carry practitioners along as partners in promoting peaceful campaigns.
The statement was signed by Emmanuel Bello, Director, Media and Publicity/Spokesman, Dr. Agbu Kefas Re-Election Campaign Council.
