Kogi Guber: International Election Observer Urges Governorship Candidates to Preach Peace, Unity
- Prominent human rights activist and election observer, Mallam Hamzat Lawal, says peace is sacrosanct in the forthcoming Kogi governorship election
- The grassroots campaigner who is from the north-central state, says he is already engaging politicians at all levels to maintain the peace Kogi is currently enjoying
- To ensure cohesion in the polity, Mallam Lawal is bringing his international experience to bear in his home state
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Okene - An international election observer, Mallam Hamzat Lawal, has urged candidates of political parties for the governorship election in Kogi state to centre their campaign messages on peace, unity, and national cohesion.
Mallam Lawal stated this on Friday, April 21 shortly after the Eid-El-Fitr prayer held in Okene, Kogi state, to end Ramadan fasting embarked upon by Muslims.
Source: Twitter
He said as an election observer in Nigeria and beyond; he would observe all candidates of political parties in Kogi state to ensure that their messages focus on peace, unity, and cohesion that can pave room for the dividend of democracy to the people of the state.
His words:
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“This period of Eid-El-Fitr is a better avenue to talk to political leaders. On Thursday, April 20, I accompanied the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and some party stalwarts to pay homage to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
“Today, I joined them at Eid praying ground in Okene because, as civil society, you must document everything they say and do so that when they are elected into public offices, we can hold them to account.
“I will also observe the candidates of the People’s Democratic Party, Labour Party, Action Alliance, African Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, and all other governorship candidates to ensure that their messages centre around peace, unity, and national cohesion.
“The executive governor of Kogi state Alhaji Yahaya Bello has worked tirelessly to ensure peace and harmony between Muslims, Christians, and other ethnic groups in the state.
“I want a governor that will build on the legacy of peace Governor Bello has created that today people can live peacefully and move freely in the state.”
Mallam Lawal, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Connected Development, a Civil Society Organisation, promised to ensure that he continues to hold leaders accountable through accurate data to ensure that the dividend of democracy reaches the people, especially the downtrodden.
Kogi guber: Accept defeat like true democrats - APC caucus tells Adeyemi, others
In a related development, some members of the APC in Kogi have called on those who lost in the party's governorship primary in the state to accept defeat.
The members in a message on Saturday, April 15, called on a Kogi state lawmaker, Smart Adeyemi, to act like a true democrat and work with the winner of the contest.
According to the party members, contenders must understand that they should demonstrate a genuine spirit of sportsmanship by accepting the results and not fighting the system.
Kogi guber: NNPP governorship candidate promises civil service reforms
On his part, Mubarak Musa, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in Kogi state, has promised to reform the civil service if elected.
The NNPP guber candidate said he would make the civil service productive through far-reaching reforms if he succeeds Governor Bello.
According to him, a vibrant civil service will help enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's public sector.
Source: Legit.ng
