By Hamilton Nwosa(Head, The New Diplomat’s Polling, Research and data desk)
Alhaji Mai Mala-Buni, governor of Yobe State and Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee, has appealed to electorate in Edo State not to engage in acts capable of causing violence during Saturday’s September 19 governorship Poll in the state.
The APC Caretaker Committee chairman who made the plea in a statement signed by Mamman Mohammed, his Director of Press and Media Affairs in Damaturu said it was important for all voters to ensure there is peace and orderliness in the state during the poll.
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According to him, his appeal is premised on the APC’s philosophy of non-violence as it had earlier called on its supporters and all members ” to shun violence and any activity that contravened the provisions of the electoral law”.
He said: “I urge APC supporters including those from the opposition parties to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fair, credible and acceptable election.
“The people of Edo should be allowed to elect a leader of their choice and, the people’s wish should be respected.
“We are optimistic that the security agencies would check the excesses of trouble makers, protect the electorate and their votes.”
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According to NAN report monitored by The New Diplomat, the APC chairman commended INEC for its work so far saying that in “the last few years..(INEC) made remarkable achievements in organising free, fair and credible elections.”
He added: “It should be supported and encouraged to improve on these achievements and that is how our democracy would grow, but not through violence…
“As leaders, we should avoid statements capable of over heating the polity and creating tension. No responsible leader will preach violence…Your future lies in a peaceful election and purposeful leadership, the advocates of violence do not wish you good and have no programmes for your future. You should therefore distance yourselves from them”
