The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Laure Beaufils, on Tuesday urged politicians in Ekiti state to play the game according to the rules to ensure successful conduct of the July 14 governorship election.
The envoy said the international community is watching the state urging politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner as the election approaches.
Beaufils, a Deputy High Commissioner, made the call on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti when she paid a courtesy visit to the management of a private radio station, Voice 89.9 FM.
Beaufils, in her conversation with her host station’s General Manager, Mr. Donald Falayi, she said her country expect the conduct of open and transparent primaries which would lead to credible election.
Beaufils called on the political players to dwell on issues and their manifestos rather than attacking personalities.
She said: “I believe the primaries should be open even though it will definitely be a tense period, people all over the country are looking forward to it.
“Politicians should dwell on issues, policies and manifestos rather than on personalities. The coming Ekiti election is a signal to the February 2019 general election.”
The diplomat described Nigeria as a wonderful country whose citizens are creative and dynamic.
She noted that Nigeria is not as bad as being portrayed across the globe but pointed out that more efforts should be made to change the general perception.
Beaufils said there are positive stories to tell about Nigeria rather than corruption and Boko Haram which attract local and foreign media attention.
Earlier in his remarks, Falayi said the station has maintained neutrality in the coverage and reportage of events in the state in line with the national broadcasting code.
Falayi said the station would give massive coverage to the Ekiti elections in all the 16 local government areas with the full compliments of an Outside Broadcasting (OB) Van to be deployed to polling booths.