2019: Nigeria’s UN envoys cautions FG

AGAINST growing tension as regards 2019 general elections, former Nigeria’s permanent secretary to the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has enjoined the Federal Government to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free and fair poll.

Speaking at the sixth convocation ceremony of the Kwara State University, KWASU, Malete in Moro local government area of the state on Saturday, Professor Gambari urged the government to seek the permanent end to impunity and zero tolerance for thuggery and manipulation if elections.

Professor Gambari, who is also the chancellor of the university, advised Nigerian youth, especially the fresh graduates not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs.

“As 2019 elections draw near, never allow yourselves to be used by anybody either as thugs or for manipulation during elections.

Rather, get interested in who governs you and how the leaders are selected.

“The government on their part must empower INEC to conduct a free and fair election in 2019 and beyond. We must give our support while insisting on a permanent end to impunity and zero-tolerance of elections. Elections in 2019 in Nigeria must be the game-changer.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, said that a total number of 1,126 graduated this year as 30 bagged First Class degrees.

Prof Na’Allah added that the school produced five doctoral degree holders.

He added that 522 graduated with second class honours in the upper division, 588 second class in the lower division and 60 persons with third class degrees.