Abuja monarch urges politicians to embrace peace at campaigns

 The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, who is also the Ona of Abaji, has urged politicians to refrain from creating tension and panic among the citizenry and inciting people to violence during campaigns for the 2023 general elections.

Alhaji Baba Yunusa, who was obviously referring to the spate of violence which have trailed campaigns for the 2023 election, appealed to stakeholders to play the game of politics according to rules and avoid activities aimed at instigating the people to violence that endanger lives and property.

The FCT monarch made the appeal in Abaji town, while delivering a welcome address to mark the celebration of the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne as the 17th Ona of Abaji.

He reminded the people, especially, politicians that as the 2023 election drew nearer, the need for peaceful coexistence has become more apparent adding, “I, therefore, urge all the critical stakeholders to play the game according to the rules and avoid activities that will threaten or endanger lives and property of the people.”

Alhaji Yunusa also called for urgent constitutional amendment to facilitate the review of the status of Abuja and increase the number of area councils to accommodate the growing population, increase senatorial seats from one to three while Federal House of Representatives members should also be increased to six, just as he appealed that FCT indigenous inhabitants should be considered for ministerial appointments.

The celebrant appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to forward a bill to the National Assembly for an amendment to carve out constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country.

He also called for the construction of an overhead bridge in Abaji and the commissioning of the FCT University of Science and Technology located in Abaji.

President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Minister of the FCT, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, appealed to traditional rulers to help mobilise their subjects to peacefully participate in the 2023 elections.

He also urged the traditional rulers to play more active roles in helping the government reduce the growing spate of insecurity in the country by educating their people on peaceful coexistence and collaboration with security agencies.

Chairman of the occasion, Senator Phillip Aduda, extolled the leadership qualities of the traditional ruler and commended the monarch for promoting peaceful coexistence between the different ethnic groups resident in the territory.