An international election monitor, Ambassador Hamzat Lawal has urged candidates of political parties for the governorship election in Kogi state to centre their campaign messages on peace, unity and national cohesion.
Ambassador Lawal stated this on Friday shortly after the Eid-el-fitr prayer held in Okene, Kogi state to end Ramadan fasting embarked upon by Muslims.
He said as civil society person, he would be observing all candidates of political parties in Kogi state to ensure that their messages centre on peace, unity and cohesion that can pave room for dividend of democracy to the people of the state.
“This period of eid-el- fitr is a better avenue to talk to political leaders. On Thursday I accompanied the APC candidate and some stalwarts of the party to pay homage on the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
“Today I joined them to eid praying ground in Okene because as civil society you must document every thing they say and do so that when they were elected into public offices , we can hold them to account.
“I will also be observing the candidates of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and all other governorship candidates to ensure that their messages centre around peace, unity and national cohesion.
“The Executive Governor of Kogi state Alhaji Yahaya Bello has work tirelessly to ensure that there is peace and harmony between Muslims and Christians; and other ethnic groups in the state. I want a governor that will build on the legacy of peace Governor Bello has created that today people can live peacefully and move freely in the state” he stated.
Hamzat Lawal who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Connected Development (CODE), a civil society organisation, promised to ensure that he continue to hold leaders accountable through the use of accurate data to ensure that dividend of democracy reaches the people especially the downtrodden.
