THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday charged traditional rulers in the country to explore their strategic position to change the “win at all cost” attitude of Nigerian politicians.
Giving this charge in Osogbo during an interactive session with traditional rulers, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Osun State, Mr Olusegun Agbaje said this has become imperative with a view to guarantee peaceful electoral process.
He emphasised that “our royal fathers must continue to use their strategic position to render useful advice to political party leaders and contestants to change their “win at all cost” attitude to good conduct in politics as the general elections draws nearer.”
According to Agbaje, “as the custodian of people’s culture and history, traditional rulers have a duty to always let their subjects especially the youth and politicians among them know that violence, malpractices, thuggery, vote buying and other vices are not in the character of our ancestors.”
He continued “the consequences of not getting these elections right are too grave and should not even be contemplated. Therefore, all key stakeholders are hereby enjoined to play positive play their respective roles in accordance with the relevant laws as INEC would do all that is required to ensure that votes of Osun State electorate count due the general elections.”
Agbaje listed preparations ahead of 2019 elections to include “ongoing collection of PVCs at the LGA offices of the commission across the state and as at 8th january, 2019, a total of 1,253,484 PVCs (74.53%) out of 1,681,930 PVCs received in the state leaving a balance of 428,446 PVCs (35.47%).
In his remark, the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi appealed to the electorote, particularly youths in Osun State to desist from votes buying and be committed to free and fair election.
He contended that Nigerian youths should engage themselves in nation building development in order to support INEC to conducts peaceful elections across the country to attain greater level in future.
Other traditional rulers present at the interaction session include the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul Rauf Adedeji, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and Ogiyan of Ejigbo land, who was represented by Chief A. Oye among others.