Buhari warns Nigerians against election violence

KADUNA, Nigeria – President Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend in Southern Kaduna warned Nigerians against perpetrating violence in the forthcoming general elections, saying those indulge in violence will not escape the wrath of the law.

He advised the citizens to embrace peaceful conduct, shun political thuggery and other forms of crisis, even as he described those who sponsor election violence as unpatriotic.Buhari sounded the warning during the women conference of the First African Church Mission, held in Zuturung, Gada Biyu, Zango Kataf Local Govt Area, with the theme: “I will help you”.

A copy of her speech delivered on behalf of the President by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Deborah Iliya, and which was also read at the awareness rally/launching of APC Campaign Support Vehicles in KPOP HAM Palace Ground, Kwai in Jaba, Southern Kaduna, was obtained by journalists in Abuja on Monday.

While calling on the people of Southern Kaduna to support his re-election in the forthcoming polls, Buhari said, “I’m not an apostle of bloodshed, no, I’m not available for violence.”

The President further called on the women to play their motherly roles in the building of good homes and of the country in general.

Buhari appreciated the leadership of the African Church of Mission for their invitation and reiterated his relentless efforts and commitment to creating a more conducive environment for the citizenry, saying, “we are one big family.”

While congratulating the church on behalf of the President for the solidarity and support they have continued to give the government, Ambassador Iliya said the Nigerian project had already become a reality.

She said, “I believe that your prayers will give your leaders the power towards their numerous efforts to improve the lives and well-being of all Nigerians irrespective of their religious beliefs or creed.

“In the front burner of the agenda of the present administration is the provision of adequate security to the citizenry. This, the President has since demonstrated, by equipping the various security agencies, so that they would always act more efficiently.

“The President has told me to inform you that he sees human life as sacrosanct and will do everything to protect lives and properties. Try to live in peace and harmony with one another and avoid anything that could bring trouble.

“The President is man of peace and bridge builder. Though he has been greatly misunderstood by many because of his fight against corruption, but he means very well for Nigeria, he is a respecter of every religion and tribe.

“Those who sponsor and perpetrate violence in the 2019 elections, no matter how highly influential, will face the law. Let me also say that Nigeria is our country, we do not have any other place called Nigeria. This country will not be sacrificed on the altar of violence.

“Our youths are the leaders of tomorrow and so, they must shun any invitation meant to use them for violence. As you all prepare for the general elections, please come out, cast your votes. Do not exchange your Permanent Voters Cards for money. Your PVC is your power, come out, exercise your franchise and ensure your vote counts.”