The Etsu Nupe and chairman, Niger state council of Traditional Rulers,
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has urged politicians in the country to play
the game of politics with utmost fear of God, maturity and decorum.
He also called on politicians and Nigerians in general to eschew
bitterness and not to contemplate shedding the blood of other
citizens.
The royal father stated this yesterday while commenting on the
forthcoming rescheduled general elections in the country in his Wadata
palace.
He underscored the need for all Nigerians, irrespective of religious,
political or ethnic affiliations to put national interest above self
interest.
This, he said was the only way to ensure free, fair, credible and
peaceful conduct of the forthcoming polls as well as the peace, unity
and socio economic prosperity of Nigeria.
He said, “the country must exist first before the citizens could
pursue their various endeavours, including politics.”
The monarch also urged youths in his emirate, state and the country at
large to shun thuggery during the elections in the country.
He urged Nigerian youth not to allow themselves to be used by
politicians to carry out acts or engage in violence of any kind
before, during and after the forthcoming general elections in the
country.
He also urged Nigerians not to be discouraged, but strive to carry out
their civic duties on the rescheduled election dates.
He said, “only participatory democracy can sustain civil rule, as
such, the electorate and other stakeholders must shun violence,
politics of bitterness and acrimony that are capable of destabilising
the country.”
He said politics devoid of bitterness and rancour will go a long way
in promoting peace and development.
“We must respect constituted authorities and ensure we live peacefully
with one another for the development of the country. I urge everyone
at this moment of our political history to eschew bitterness and not
contemplate shedding blood of the other citizens,’’ he said.
