A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Mohammed Audu has condemned the violent incidents that marred the February 23 polls in parts of Kogi state.
In a statement released on Saturday, Prince Audu called on politicians to eschew violence and approach future elections with respect for the sanctity of human lives.
He decried the reported cases of ballot snatching and disruption of voting processes during the just concluded presidential and national assembly elections in the state.
Prince Audu decried the killing of a first time voter, Usman Daniel in Anyigba during the last elections and called on security agencies to fish out those responsible for the dastardly act.
“It is rather unfortunate that the do-or-die approach to politics is taking a negative toll on our people.the inability of The government to refined their political structure is coursing alot of havoc for the poor masses The sad case of Daniel Usman, a 19-year old student of Kogi State University, who was killed at Ajetachi polling unit in Anyigba calls for concern.
“There were several cases of violence in other parts of the state leading to the cancelling of polls in 129 polling units across Kogi East senatorial district. This is not good for our democracy and must be condemned by all stakeholders.It’s our tradition to persuade people to vote not coarse people to give unwilling votes, this is how to earn leadership status of any union.
“We must all rise and nip this ugly acts in its bud. The ambition of politicians is not worth the blood of any Kogite,” he said.
He stated that the mechanism of the state government has no room for feedback, adding that young men in politics must maintain societal values as they don’t have to disrespect elders just to disagree with them.
“You can disagree with elders without being insulting, this is a sign of remarkable leadership and we as a people must strive towards collective success.
“Kogi people must set an agenda against violence manifesting in our elections.”
He asserted that it is a sign of failure of leadership if you must spill innocent blood to sustain it.
The Ogbonicha Prince called on security agencies to rise above the situation and ensure peaceful elections on March 9.
