OMU-ARAN (KWARA) – Some traditional rulers in Kwara South Senatorial District have advised politicians against the use of thugs during campaigns in this year’s general elections.
The monarchs made the calls in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, on Thursday.
The monarch observed that the engagement of thugs for campaigns by politicians could be a stumbling block to the nation’s efforts at conducting free, fair and credible elections.
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, urged politicians to play by the rules of the game in laying a solid foundation for good governance in the country.
“I think all eyes are presently on the country to exhibit that expected exemplary leadership style in terms of sustainable democratic system of governance for other African nations to emulate.
“So there is the need to do away with all those acts, including patronising thugs for campaigns, that are inimical to the nation’s development,” he said.
On his part, the Elegosi of Egosi kingdom, Oba Daniel Dada, urged the government to be committed to ensuring adequate security for the people before, during and after the general elections.
He called on the political class to exhibit a high sense of maturity and stop the recruitment of unscrupulous elements who could hinder the nation’s quest for free polls.
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Dada, who thanked the state government for being sensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of the people, canvassed for more projects to develop the communities in the state.
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He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to be more committed to ensuring fairness and equity in the discharge of its civic responsibility to the nation.
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The Aloffa of Ilofa, Oba Samuel Dada, said that past political experience had shown that the use of thugs during political campaigns had done more harm than good to the nation’s reputation.
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“If there are no political thugs there will not also be any political violence and things will certainly go as planned,” Dada said. (NAN)
