2019 poll: Edo monarchs raise alarm over alleged procurement of weapons, recruitment of thugs by politicians
Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs have raised the alarm over the alleged procurement of weapons and recruitment of youths as thugs to be used before and during elections by politicians in the state.
The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, gave the hint on behalf of traditional rulers during meeting with chairmen and members of the various political parties in the state in Benin-city in his palace.
The monarch, who said political and spiritual power comes from God, noted that it is against God’s wish if anyone tries to achieve political powers through spilling of human blood or killing innocent citizens.
While noting that the traditional rulers and chiefs condemned the act in its entirety, added that the council is against the use of youths or anybody else to cause violence or disrupt the electoral process.
He however, advised the youths to be weary of politicians who might come to recruit them as thugs for whatever amount.
According to him, “The youths ought to be wiser now and should not allow politicians use and dump them like rags, while their children and siblings are enjoying the best of life in their comfort zones. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.”
He also urged the youths to support any candidate of their choice through free, fair and credible elections, and be ready to demand for good governance, transparency and accountability from their elected leaders.
He further appealed, to the electorate to shun vote buying, admonishing that if they seek their vote, they would not have any moral justification to demand for good governance, transparency and accountability from elected leaders.
“This is the way de- mocracy should be practiced in our society. Nigeria being the most populous country and an economic giant in Sub-sahara Africa, it will augur well for our dear country to be the leader in democratic practice. Consequently, we urge you all to support good governance and accountability,” he said.
The Oba also called on politicians to caution their supporters on the need to conduct themselves peaceful hand avoid hate speech and hostilities before, during and after elections.
He enjoined electorate to come out in large numbers and peacefully on Election Day to vote for a candidate of their choice.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has finalised plans to host a concert aimed at rallying the grassroots against voter’s inducement and raising the consciousness of Nigerians against various forms of money laundering activities.
Acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Spokesman of the commission, Tony Orilade, said that the “Say No to Vote Buying” Concert, which will hold on January 13, 2019 at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, is part of the EFCC’S corruption prevention efforts, aimed at sensitising the public against the ills of corruption.
The Concert, which is being organised in partnership with Olaranwaju Toriseju, popular co- median fondly referred to as Ambassador Wahala, will hold by 2pm, and will feature comedy by emerging comedians such as Dr. Ayuba, Ghana Must Go, Koboko Master, Stainless, Washington, Mr Odey, MC 3310, Cee Dee, Charles Aworum, MC Philip, Asawana, Chucks D General, Nick B, Sam & Song, Funny Bruno, and music by Victor Velmo, Yung Fresh, Maisty Sanusi, Fortune Tunez, Braine and Magic Steppers. There will also be stage plays and talk shows, the statement said.
The event, which promises to be an entertaining day of music, performances, drama skits, talk-shows and comedy, according to Magu, is “yet another preventive thrust of the EFCC towards engaging and enlightening the public, encouraging them to take ownership of the anti-corruption mandate as championed by President Muhammadu Buhari”.