The Federal Government has put all the security agents on alert against trouble makers, political hoodlums and election riggers as electorates in the Federal Capital Territory prepare for the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, April 5.
This is even as mechanism for peaceful conduct of the election has been put in place.
minister of the FCT, Malam Muahammad Musa Bello who spoke today, Thursday during a special stakeholders’ meeting held at Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja, emphasized that the government would do everything within its powers to ensure that peace continues to reign in the Territory as
the residents go to the polls to elect those to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
Malam Muhammad Bello said that the security agencies have been directed to deal decisively with all troublemakers who might want to disrupt the process.
“Let me reiterate our resolve to ensure a peaceful conduct of the exercise as all security agencies have been directed to deal decisively with al troublemakers who might want to disrupt the process.”
The Minister assured that the security agencies have been fully mobilized to ensure peaceful conduct and therefore enjoined residents to obey the law and move about without fear of intimidation.
Malam Muhammad Bello said that in every contest, there must be a winner and a
loser and thus, advised the residents and the aspirants to be good sportsmen by being good winners and good losers.
He reminded the residents that election is not a do or die affair but rather an opportunity to elect leaders of their choice who will deliver dividends of democracy.
The Minister also delivered a message from President Muhammadu Buhari who is the Governor General of the FCT, urging all FCT residents to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner before, during and after the election.
In his welcome address, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye said that the forum was designed to foster peace and understanding to ensure that the elections are held without rancour or
violence.
Dr. Ajakaiye reiterated that the change mantra of the present Administration demands of Nigerians a clean break from the culture of violence, which is a product of political desperation and inordinate
ambitions.
The Permanent Secretary noted that this desperation has always characterized and undermined the success of elections in some parts of the country.
“You have all been invited here today to rub minds together in order to ensure that the elections are conducted successfully in an atmosphere of peace and order.
“We owe posterity an obligation to entrench and bequeath peace and fair play as permanent features of electioneering processes in this Territory, and indeed in our country.”
Also speaking at the meeting, the Police Commissioner in charge of Election Security, Mr. Folunsho Adebanjo who spoke on behalf of the security agencies, warned all political gladiators in the Federal
Capital Territory to advise their supporters to shun violence as the security agents will not condone any act of political violence.
Some of the people that also spoke at the occasion include the Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General Mansur Dan-Ali, Senator representing the FCT, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda as well as Senator
Isa Hamman Missau, Senate Committee Chairman on Navy.
Others were the Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs and Ona of Abaji, FCT CAN Chairman, Deputy Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Chairman of FCT Chapter of the NCWS, Chairman, House of
Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils & Ancillary Matters. [myad]
