By Chimezie Godfrey
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for orderliness and restraint ahead of Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Kano and Rivers states, urging voters to participate without fear while cautioning security agencies against high-handedness.
In a State House statement issued Friday, and signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President appealed to citizens, political actors and electoral officials to conduct themselves peacefully during the polls organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
INEC is scheduled to conduct Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory as well as bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies of Rivers State, and in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies of Kano State.
Tinubu urged eligible voters to turn out en masse, stressing that democracy thrives best in an atmosphere of calm and tolerance.
“Fellow Nigerians, I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections,” the President said.
He also warned political parties and candidates to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
The President cautioned security agencies to avoid intimidation and any conduct capable of disenfranchising voters, noting that their duty is to protect lives, property and the sanctity of the ballot.
Tinubu further charged the electoral commission to strengthen public confidence by ensuring timely accreditation of voters, seamless voting, accurate collation and prompt transmission of results in line with the Electoral Act.
“I commend your civic consciousness. I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation,” he added.