……Advises aggrieved parties to go to court
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun State, Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi, has advised aggrieved political parties in the ongoing electoral process to approach the court of law and avoid setting the country on fire.
The monarch at a press conference held in his palace on Tuesday posited that no rational mind should call for war with the objectivity and fairness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He noted that the grievances in a few places are sentimental which is understandable and unavoidable, saying the umpires have demonstrated fairness in the process.
According to the monarch, “one other peculiar characteristic of the 2023 presidential election is, it has further cemented the unity of Nigeria. The three leading presidential candidates got convincing votes from northern and southern Nigeria. That has spoken to the minds of nationalists who cherish our nation. Atiku, Tinubu, and Obi are loved in Southern and Northern Nigeria.”
He said, “I must register my trust in Nigeria and her distinctive leaders mostly President Muhammad Buhari, whose commitment to democratic value is lifting our hope. This general election, in my reasonable assessment, is the best legacy of all achievements of his excellency, Buhari.
“The reasonable, patriotic Nigerians, statesmen, stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, journalists, opinion leaders, and international observers are charged to defend the electoral excellency that gives hope to the common man to become a federal legislator. I’m not saying the election is perfect but it’s the best.
“The elders benefitting from violence should allow us to grow. We are moving and improving. No rational mind should call for war with the objectivity and fairness of INEC. Those who have ruled should juxtapose the election they supervised with the electoral legacy of President Muhammad Buhari. Buhari, you are a super president on this.
“Every loyal, chauvinistic passionate, faithful, and patriotic Nigerian should tell the truth, encourage the electoral umpires (INEC), commend the security operatives, and commend the process that gives a challenging electoral victory to our democracy.
“I appeal to party men with grievances to approach the court of law. Obeyance to law and order defines who we are. If you can’t keep the unity of Nigeria, We won’t allow anyone to destroy Nigeria’s democracy constructed by the sweat of our founding fathers,” the monarch added.