Programme Manager, De Gratia Centre for Media Rights and Education, Woyengitokoni Nsirim, has called on politicians to ensure the forthcoming election is devoid of violence and acrimony.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Nsirim said the call became necessary to protect the nation’s democracy.
“All stakeholders in the Nigerian project must work together to make the forthcoming election to be free, fair and credible.
“Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should ensure the newly introduced BVAS is used in all polling units to erase any form of manipulation.
“Security agencies, on their part, should shun partisanship and protect eligible Nigerians to exercise their franchise without intimidation.
“On the part of the electorate, votes-buying should be relegated to the background to usher in a new era of transparent and credible leadership.
“We also appeal to politicians not to resort to the primitive style of thuggery and violence.
“Nigerian youths should also say no to thuggery as this election will determine the future and destiny of our great country.
“Media practitioners should avoid sensationalism and publicise news that will stabilise the polity during and after the polls. Election observers must produce unbiased reports around the country to give an objective assessment of the conduct of the polls,” he said.