2019: Group harps on violence-free elections in Benue

2019: Group harps on violence-free elections in Benue
By Awayi Kuje
Elections
Keffi (Nasarawa State), Jan. 16, 2019 (NAN) The Idoma Elite Club Worldwide (IEC), a socio-cultural group, on Wednesday has called for a peaceful and violence-free elections in Benue and Nigeria at large in 2019.
The group made the appeal in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Omaga Elachi-Daniel, on Wednesday in Keffi.
The group noted that the elections in Benue, particularly that of the Benue South Senatorial District, popularly called Zone C must be violence free, fair and credible.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the club is a socio-cultural group comprising tertiary institution graduates from Benue South Senatorial District.
The group said that political or public office should not be a platform for pilfering and illegal wealth creation but an avenue for altruistic service and welfare to the voting population.
“Winning elections is not a desperate task nor is winning power about any means available.
“Seeking political positions is not about campaigns of calumny, character assassination or inciting political groups, tribes and localities against one another with the sole aim of scoring cheap political points,’’ it said.
The 2019 elections in Benue, particularly that of Benue South should be a contest of ideas, a battle for winning the hearts and minds of the people, selling of feasible policies and programmes for the betterment of the lives of the people.
“We are calling on our people to choose candidates asking for their votes on the basis of credibility, integrity, trust, political ideology and requisite competences for the effective management of the Benue people and her resources.
“Our politicians, party members and supporters must know that their behaviour in this electioneering period is very crucial.
“They must desist from the destruction of opponent’s campaign posters and banners, as well as the propagation of hate speeches during campaigns.
“No doubt, the political environment will be very competitive considering the calibre of politicians representing the various political parties at all levels but we must ensure that we remain united as a people, before, during and after the elections.
“As no price is too much to pay for our peaceful coexistence. Our people must understand that every competition has laid-down rules which must be followed to the later,” the statement read in part.
The group also called on candidates of various political parties and their supporters to accept the outcome of the 2019 general election results as announced by the electoral umpire.
It advised that the aggrieved should seek redress where necessary in courts of competent jurisdictions instead of resorting to violence as a means of expression.
“We are calling on the security agencies and INEC to be firm but fair. They must remain unbiased and not be attached to the apron strings of any candidate or political party,” it said.
The group further urged the Nigerians, especially the youths in Benue Zone C, to remain law abiding in the discharge of their civic responsibilities in the upcoming elections. (NAN)
AKW/OSA/MST
Edited by Shittu Obassa/Muhammad Suleiman Tola