Play by the rules, Gomo of Kuje tells politicians, INEC


The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and politicians contesting for offices have been advised to endeavour to play by the rules thereby ensure peaceful general elections.

The advice was given by a traditional ruler, the Gomo of Kuje, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Haruna T. Jibrin over the weekend.

He said residents of Kuje one of the six Area Councils and a popular food basket of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are peace abiding people who would do anything to sustain existing peace in the area adding that they would adhour any disruption of peace may arising from elections wrangling.

Accordingly, the royal father urged the key players especially players in the forthcoming general elections-the INEC and all political office seekers- not only to be willing to subject themselves to the rules guiding the elections but readily accept the will of the people.

“We want peace and election should not be the basis for conflict. I, therefore, call on politicians contesting for elected positions and those seeking some other offices to play by the rules and not resort to desperate means.

“Since every election contest is guided by rules, politicians and the election umpire must be ready and willing to play by the rules. That way, they will promote and sustain democracy, ensure peace and unity of the country”, he said noting that Nigeria needs peace not conflict of any kind now.

He urged the INEC to be impartial, play by the rules and resist the temptation to favour any party or candidate no matter whatever pressure it may be subjected to, stressing that any electoral mistake could have terrible consequences for the country.

“The INEC must do everything to discourage election violence by carefully playing by the rules, it must not favour any candidate. Also, politicians should accept the will of the people.

“The electorate should help themselves and the society by not selling their votes, parents must keep their wards in check and ensure that they are not used as tools for violence”, he said stressing that the forthcoming general elections presents opportunity to select leaders the people want.

The royal father, who spoke when he welcome in audience some highly placed politicians in his palace during the wedding of one of his daughters- Samirya- over the weekend, noted that since politicians aspire to govern the people and better the society by improving the quality of life, seeking the mandate to lead should not and must not be a do-or-die affair.

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