University don urges politicians to shun violence during campaigns

A lecturer at the Usmanu Danfordiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Bello Bade, has cautioned politicians against encourging violence during forthcoming general elections.

Bade said there was a fear violence during the campaign because the main contestants were being backed by powerful politicians in the state.

He reminded politicians that power comes from God and He gives it to whoever He wants, therefore, they should give peace a chance and shun abusive and inciting words during their campaigns.

He called on Council, the the Sultanate clerics and academicians to plead to the politicians to allow people to make their choice freely and peacefully.

Bada, who was delivering paper on “Public Expectations on the Media, Action Groups, Youth Leaders and Non-Governmental Organization” at a one day interactive forum organized by INEC in collaboration with African Better life Organisation, alleged that some media houses were not objective in their political reportage.

“Public expects media to be free and professional in spreading unconpromised news and information to the public but this is not the case with most of our papers, radio stations and television stations,” he said

He also called on NGOs and Youth leaders to live above board by enlightening the public on the need to live peacefully before, during and after the 2019 elections.

Also presenting a paper on “Ensuring Violence free and Credible 2019:The Role of Relevant Stakeholders,’’ Professor Muhammadu Junaidu identified lack of ideology by political parties and their candidates, weak electoral management and presence of pre-existing social conflict like banditry and insurgency as causes of electoral violence.

He urged the voters and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully during and after the election.