Ooni Urges INEC, Monarchs To Maintain Neutrality In Polls

Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has cautioned politicians and youths against violent conducts before, during and after the forthcoming 2023 General Elections.

Ooni Ogunwusi stated this on Thursday in hIs palace as Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTR).

The eminent monarch who symphatized with Nigerians on challenges occasioned by the Naira notes redesign policy and fuel scarcity, said citizens should allow love for the country to supercede as they perform their civic rights during the elections.

He implored politicians to refrain from voter’s intimidation just as he urged security agencies to be patriotic, not taking side or bullying voters but to discharge their assignments with high degree of professionalism during the elections process.

Ooni said ” No politician can force his or herself on Nigerians and this is why our politicians should avoid being desperate in their quest for power. If you don’t win today, it may be your turn tomorrow and this is why I am imploring office seekers not to destroy tomorrow with inactions of today

“I call on Nigerians especially the youth population which is the largest to partake in the polls as enshrined in constitution and not violate any of the processes. The country has already been through a lot including the recent fuel scarcity among others, we can’t afford more trouble.

The monarch further appealed to the independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to justify citizen’s confidence in the commission with credible, transparent and acceptable election.

He said “the umpires especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must work to give Nigerians a free fair and credible polls, while the security agents should maintain their status as defender of our constitution by creating enabling environment and not bully electorates.

Ooni equally urged fellow traditional rulers across the country to be apolitical, maintain neutrality, and allow their subjects to vote for any party or candidate of their choice.

“To we traditional rulers, I implore us to remain apolitical and neutral as a fathers that we are to all politicians and electorates. We must not be seen promoting political parties or politicians.” The Ooni said.

He condemned the reported political violent attacks in some parts of the country particularly in Osun State, stressing that Nigerians must be patriotic in their conducts always, charging the security agencies to ensure the arrest of perpetrators of violence and other criminal activities before, during and after the polls in the interest of law and order.