Ogun State Elder Consultative Forum says stakeholders in the forthcoming 2023 Elections in the country should ensure that peace and unity become their watchwords, and avoid violence of any form during political campaigns and the election proper.
The Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Ayinde Ibikunle, stated this in a release made available in Abeokuta, noting that the group was concerned about the peace that the State was known for.
Dr. Ibikunle said it behooves all the political parties to educate their supporters on the promotion of culture of peace and tolerance in all their activities, while contestants to various positions should know that elections should not be a do or die affair, adding that losers were expected to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship when the result is announced.
According to him, “peace begins with us as individuals as non-violence starts by learning how to be less violent and more compassionate with ourselves, hence, I want us to live by the maxim that maintenance of peace is the duty of all citizens of Ogun State. This must be our attitude for the betterment of our society”.
The Forum Chairman urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to exhibit a commitment to transparent and credible elections by ensuring that the new Electoral Acts are implemented to the latter, to deepen the democratic process.
He also enjoined the law enforcement and other security agents to perform their duties with due diligence and utmost professionalism, saying it was expedient of them to eschew partiality or bias throughout the elections, while any reported infringement must be promptly investigated and dealt with.
In its message to the Judiciary as the hope of the common man, the Forum implored it to adjudicate all cases brought before the court with fairness and without delay, to reinforce the trust reposed in it by the general public.
