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According to Fortune Eromosele, ABUJA
The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, on Tuesday urged Nigerians not to travel to their home regions for fear of the February 25 and March 11 general elections.
The group also called on the federal government to ensure the safety of citizens to ease fears.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, Secretary, ACF; Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) for Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Director of Advocacy and Engagement, NEF.
He resolved that all Nigerians have a role to play in ensuring the conduct of credible elections and a peaceful transition to the next administration.
The statement reads: “All voters must have the opportunity to exercise political choice freely. Nigerians living in all parts of the country must be encouraged to remain, in safe conditions to vote and exercise their franchise.”
“Government at all levels, security agencies and host communities must give every Nigerian, wherever they live and work, assurance of security and protection of their rights during elections.
“We call on our friends who are going to travel to their home areas to resist all temptations. Let them stay back as a clear demonstration of their real will to protect their rights to live wherever they are and to participate in all electoral activities like all citizens Another Nigerian.
“Nigerians must understand that this is a decisive election, where leaders must be chosen on the basis of their competence and capacity to drive economic development, social justice and political unity.
“We consider it a sacred principle that no Nigerian should be punished for having an opinion or exercising a free choice within the limits of the law. We believe that it is possible to conduct this election without violence or breaking our deep roots in all parts of Nigeria. Indeed, we believe that no one will benefit from the subversion of credible elections or the peaceful atmosphere that will follow.
“Groups like ours have the responsibility to reduce the distance between communities and build bridges that should strengthen unity and security. Therefore, we wholeheartedly remain committed to continue exploring ways that will improve inter-community relations and find good leaders and countries that answer all our needs.