The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Cross River State has welcomed the directive by Governor Bassey Otu for the arrest of suspected thugs accused of attacking opposition figures, describing it as a step towards protecting political participation and preventing violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The council said the action would help protect the rights of political parties and create an atmosphere for peaceful political competition in the state.
The state chairman of IPAC, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, stated this in a press statement issued on Monday, November 9, while outlining the council's plans to promote political accountability and peaceful coexistence ahead of the elections.
The council, however, urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, responsible communication and peaceful competition, warning that political ambition should not endanger lives or public order.
As part of its accountability drive, IPAC announced plans to tour the 18 local government areas to inspect government projects, assess their level of implementation and determine their impact on communities.
It said the exercise would also identify areas requiring intervention and provide recommendations for improved service delivery.
The council disclosed that the tour would involve local government chairmen, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, political party leaders, aspirants, candidates and community representatives.
IPAC also announced plans to organise a statewide political stakeholders' conference to promote dialogue, consensus-building and responsible political participation.
In addition, it scheduled a political parties' peace walk for Saturday, December 5, 2026. The event has as its theme, 'Unity in Diversity, Peace for a Greater Cross River'.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the democratic space and ensuring that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The Plateau State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen its community-based security architecture with the retraining of 353 operatives of Operation Rainbow and the provision of operational vehicles to enhance security operations across the state.
The operatives successfully completed their training and passed out on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a colourful parade held at the New Zaria Road Stadium in Jos.
The retraining programme is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the operatives in intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms, community engagement and rapid response to security threats.
The initiative is also expected to improve collaboration between local security structures and other conventional security agencies, particularly in identifying potential threats and preventing security breaches before they escalate.
The provision of operational vehicles is another significant step towards improving the mobility, operational efficiency and response capabilities of Operation Rainbow personnel, especially in communities where timely security intervention is critical.
With the retraining of the 353 operatives and the additional logistical support, the state government is reinforcing its commitment to community-driven security and proactive measures to protect lives and property.
Operation Rainbow remains an important component of Plateau State’s local security framework, particularly in strengthening grassroots intelligence and fostering cooperation between security personnel and local communities.
The development represents another step in the state’s ongoing efforts to build a more responsive, coordinated and effective security system across Plateau State.
The Plateau State All Progressives Congress (APC) Legacy Assembly has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, commending his administration’s policies and calling for his re-election to sustain ongoing national transformation.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Dr. Festus Fuanter, the group reaffirmed its commitment to the APC and pledged to mobilise support for the party’s candidates at all levels through lawful mobilisation, grassroots engagement and the promotion of party unity.
The Assembly described its support for the President as a reflection of its belief in his vision, assuring him of its determination to contribute to the continued realisation of his administration’s objectives.
The group also expressed optimism ahead of Tinubu’s planned visit to Plateau State for the APC presidential rally scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Zaria Road Stadium, Jos.
According to the statement, the President’s visit would provide an opportunity to strengthen his relationship with the people of Plateau State and reaffirm their collective commitment to his Renewed Hope Agenda, national development policies, democratic consolidation, peace and security.
The APC Legacy Assembly further expressed hope that the visit would yield positive outcomes for the state by strengthening peace and security, attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and promoting development.
It also called for increased collaboration between the Federal Government and Plateau State Government to address the aspirations and challenges of communities across the state.