Attah Igala urges peace in Kogi supplementary poll

The Attah Igala, Michael Ameh Oboni, yesterday urged the people of Kogi State to be calm and conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the supplementary governorship election holding across 91 polling units in the state on December 5.
The paramount ruler who spoke in Lokoja at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by INEC condemned the protests and agitations among political party supporters following the death of Prince Abubakar Audu.
He said there was no reason for politicians and their supporters to take to the streets in protest over issues that could be resolved amicably.
“The days of wars are over, things can be settled peacefully. What we want is peace and we are all one in Kogi. Let us forget about sentiments and stop making inflammatory statements”, he said.
The Attah urged people of the state to be law abiding and allow INEC and the political parties to carry out their responsibilities in line with the rules and regulations.
“INEC should conduct the election in the remaining polling units and bring the entire process to conclusion. Let us obey the rules of the game. Let us obey the laws of the land. It is not a shouting match where the person that makes the loudest noise takes the day”, he said.
Earlier, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mallam Hussaini Halilu Pai, told the gathering that the commission was ready for the supplementary election across the 91 polling units in 18 local government areas of the state.
He advised all stakeholders to do everything possible to ensure conduct of a peaceful, credible, free and fair election.
Pai said the voters’ registers to be used for the election had been printed, smart card readers configured and charged along with backups while sensitive materials are to be distributed on Thursday.
He urged politicians and their supporters to avoid making inflammatory statements capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the election.