2019 polls: Kogi monarchs warn politicians over violence

FOLLOWING the politically induced violent attacks in the area, traditional rulers in Ijumu local government area of Kogi state on Wednesday read the riot act to politicians, warning them to against heating up the polity.

The local government area traditional council also tasked political parties in the area to avoid hate speech and acts capable of disrupting the existing peace in Ijumu land.

The Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom and chairman Ijumu local government area traditional council, Oba Williams Ayeni, said this during a meeting with chairmen of political parties in the area held at his palace at Iyara.

According to him, the call became imperative in view of the recent clashes by supporters of some political parties which he noted was uncalled for.

The traditional ruler stated that the area in the past was known for peace and tranquillity, saying any acts that could disrupt the existing peace would not be tolerated.

“We are all brothers, what will you gain if you kill your brother, I want to enjoin you to play the game by the rules and avoid those things that can lead to clashes and violence in Ijumu land,” said the monarch.

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While charging the party leaders not to support violence, he enjoined them to educate their supporters to go about their campaigns devoid of hate speech, character assassination and calumny.

It would be recalled that supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed at Odokoro Gbedde, with properties worth millions of naira, including vehicle of a former commissioner in the state, were destroyed.

Oba Ayeni told electorate in the area to come out and cast their votes on February 16 and March 2 without fear, pointing out that security agents must be professional in ensuring the safety of the people.

He advised youths to avoid being used to perpetrate crisis before, during and after the elections, urging parents to call their wards to order.

Also speaking, the Olu Adde of Ekinrin Adde, Oba Anthony Bamigbaye, Ologidi of Ogidi, Oba Rabiu Sule and the Olu of Ayetoro-gbedde, Oba Sunday Ehindero, said traditional rulers in Ijumu were ready to ensure peace at the forthcoming general elections.

The chairman of the APC in the Area, Mr Samuel Abejide, and his counterpart from the PDP, Alhaji Seidu Ibrahim, who commended the Olujumu for the meeting, assured of peaceful conduct as the polls get closer.