The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega has said the political class is a threat to peaceful polls.
Also, Vice President Namadi Sambo has advised Nigerians, particularly parents and guardians, not to allow their children and wards to be used to perpetrate violence during the elections.
Sambo, who was represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Alhaji Najeem Awodele and Jega spoke at a special prayer session for the peaceful conduct of the elections, organised by the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society on Sunday.
The vice president described the election as one that could ‘make or mar’ the country, saying “We want to be progressive, and not retrogressive, and we cannot be progressive without peace.”
He said government was seriously concerned about the issue of violence and thuggery, arguing that not only politicians who engage others to cause problems need to be cautioned, but also those who allow themselves to be used, usually for a pittance.
“Election itself has nothing to do with violence. All we need to do is follow the rules to the letter. We vote when it is time, we wait for our results when it is time, and when the result is announced, we go gently to our different homes,” he said
He, however, assured that the security agencies were on the alert and on top of the situation to ensure peaceful polls.
The INEC Chairman, who was represented by INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Lai Olurode, said politicians were the only ones that could cause problems during the elections, as many of them were still determined to get into office by hook or crook.
He said there was no pressure on him or any of the commissioners from any quarters, noting that President Goodluck Jonathan had already told Nigerians that they should not rig for him.
“This election should be free and fair. Our only concern is the political class, but we will do our best to ensure free, fair and transparent elections,” Jega said.
In his lecture, entitled “Ethical Guide for Good Governance and Accountability”, the Chief Missioner of NASFAT, Alhaji Gbade Akinbode, exhorted candidates vying for various offices and the generality of Nigerians, to always conduct themselves with the fear of God; to learn to forgive and forget; discharge their duties diligently while seeking the help of God; not to loot the treasury or misappropriate pubic funds in any way; to always shun arrogance; and to always remember that “we all will return to God, and give account of our deeds.