Tina Amanda
As the 2019 General Elections draw closer with politicians scheming ways to win elections, the Rivers State electoral commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Obo Effanga has warned politicians and political parties in the state to desist from hiring the services of thugs and miscreants to perpetrate violence before, during and after elections.
Effanga who stated this to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday noted that the only way to win credible elections is by voting and not through violence.
He said that elections are won by making use of the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and not by ammunitions.
He also urged political leaders to play by the electoral rules and act as agents of peace during the elections.
The resident commissioner further advised the public to desist from being used as baits for political violence or tools to settle political scores.
Meanwhile, the State secretary, Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ike Wigodo, has urged politicians and party leaders of all the 54 political parties in Rivers State to prioritise the unity and development of the state.
Wigodo further advised all political candidates to use the campaign period to roll out their blueprints and sell themselves to the electorate.
But reacting to the recent lifting of ban on election campaigns, a political analyst has urged political parties to carry out issue-based campaigns devoid of violence and hate speeches.
Associate Professor of political science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Dr. Kenneth Nweke, said political parties should be genuinely committed to the course of transforming the lives of the people.
Dr. Nweke said political parties need to focus more on their party’s manifestos that will spur true democratic and economic changes that the masses crave for.
