Today, political parties in Ekiti State at a stakeholders meeting signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which is aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections.
The state Police Commissioner, Taiwo Lakanu, explained that the MoU is geared towards avoiding what he termed scars of agony, discord and enmity after the elections.
The police boss also expressed sadness that
politicians in the country cared less about the credibility of polls.
Lakanu said, "All that matters to them is attainment of political office, somehow and anyhow. More worrisome is the instigation of violence by political office seekers that sometimes lead to loss of lives, physical injuries and destruction of properties.
"It is disheartening that while most of us treasure and pamper our children and wards, we exploit the ignorance, poverty and the myopic view of other people’s children using them to carry arms, cutlasses and various weapons to fight our perceived political opponents.
This without mincing words is a sin against humanity and against God."
On his part, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 8, Christopher Dega, suggested the need for the polls to be free of
rancor, acrimony, I’ll feelings, bad blood and other things that could undermine the credibility of the election.
According to Dega, "The Inspector General of Police (Suleiman Abba) has advised on the need to maintain decorum, exercise caution and restraint as we go into the election. It is important you play the game according to the rules."
Even Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sam Olumekun, advised politicians against killing people to occupy public offices.
At the ceremony, the state governor, Ayodele Fayose gave an assurance of purposeful leadership to promote peace.
In the words of Fayose, "Four years is a short time in the life of a man. I won’t muzzle anybody. If you abuse me, I will abuse you back, it is all politics. If you abuse me and I can’t abuse you, I will look for somebody to abuse you.
"For a system to work, the leader must key into it. I will key into the peace process. I will respect and do everything to ensure it works. For this election, nobody will muzzle another person.
"I won’t ask for favour from the police. If my party won an election about six months ago, I do not have to muzzle anybody to win an election. I only need to improve on my chances."
Photo: Nigeriancurrent
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