Advice to politicians

LAST month, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted  a senatorial election in Osun State. This was sequel to the death of Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the erstwhile senator representing the Osun West Senatorial District of the state in Abuja.

Dr. Ademola Adeleke, his younger brother who stood in as the standardbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won in nine out of the 10 local government areas in the state, beating his closest rival, Senator Mudasiru Hussain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

I see this as a great improvement on the part of the electoral officials and others connected with the organisation of the election. The election should serve as a warning to politicians. They should not ignore the people.

Politicians should fulfill their pledges during electioneering. They should make life easier for the people through employment opportunities, especially for young school leavers.

They should refrain from violence, intimidation, acrimony, tribalism, victimisation or nepotism.  If there is any misunderstanding within the rank and file of a political group, extra care must be taken not to allow this to degenerate into violence.

Similarly, leaders and supporters of political parties should learn to abide by the law at all times.

Ola – Olaniyi Bamgbola,

Ibadan.