Rivers State Nigeria:-Ahead of the Rivers State and National Assembly re-run elections now scheduled to hold on 19 March, Magnus Abe, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Rivers South East, has appealed to candidates of other political parties to dissuade their supporters from engaging in violence.
In a statement signed by Parry Saroh Benson, his spokesperson, Abe said, “We owe our people the moral responsibility as leaders, irrespective of our political affiliations, to ensure that our supporters shun all forms of violence and thuggery before, during and after the elections.”
He enjoined all candidates to lend their voice to the campaign against political violence, saying this would go a long way to saving lives, which no man can create, and checking the excesses of party supporters.
Abe said he condemned a statement allegedly made by Governor Nyesom Wike that INEC officials coming to Rivers State should write their will; describing it as inappropriate and unhelpful. He adduced the statement as an alleged call to violence.
The Ogoni outspoken politician alleged that Governor Wike’s statement amounted to summarily trying, sentencing and extra-judicially executing INEC officials.
“I appeal to the candidates to be issue-based in their campaigns, and discuss matters that benefit our people,” he said.
According to him: “Candidates should desist from indulging in character assassination, campaign of calumny, attrition and naked propaganda.”
He called on the youths to refrain from making themselves willing tools in the hands of unscrupulous politicians, who want to use them to perpetrate violence for their selfish aggrandizement, while their children are living comfortably and safe overseas.
“Let’s make a difference in this election,” Abe stated.
