SOKOTO – Alhaji Abubakar Danchadi, the Sokoto State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has urged politicians to put national interest above selfish interests as the 2015 general polls draw nearer.
Danchadi gave the advice on Tuesday at the inauguration of the state-wide voter and civic education campaigns by NOA.
“The truth of the matter is that some of our politicians are far from being patriotic; this explains why they place narrow interest above national interest.
“It is not surprising, therefore, that they regard politics as a do-or-die affair and not a game to be played with the spirit of give and take.
“These groups of politicians do not know that in any contest, there must be a winner and a loser and that there is always a second chance,’’ he said.
According to Danchadi, the programme is aimed at educating voters on their civic responsibilities, as well as curbing voter apathy to ensure free, fair and transparent general elections in 2015, among others.
The Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada, appealed to Nigerians to do everything humanly possible to keep Nigeria’s democracy alive.
Gada, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political, Alhaji Malami Ladan, stressed the need for the sustenance of peace, unity and political stability in the nation.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Husseini Mahuta stated that political violence and other abuses of the electoral processes were inimical to Nigeria’s democracy.
Mahuta made the remark through the Head of Voter Education and Publicity of the commission, Muhammmed Musa, in a paper he delivered at the occasion entitled “Overview of Preparations for 2015 General Elections by INEC”.
The Caretaker Chairman, Sokoto North Local Government Area, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahi, said that the council was liaising with the state government, INEC, NOA, security agencies and other stakeholders to make 2015 general elections hitch-free.
“The votes of the electorate will surely count in 2015, but Nigerians must vote with their conscience,” Ibrahim, said. (NAN)