We won’t interfere with Bayelsa, Kogi elections TheNigerialawyer

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that there will be no
interference in Saturday’s election in Bayelsa and Kogi States.

This is even as Buhari has demanded exemplary conduct of
non-partisanship on the part of election and law enforcement
officials in the two states.

He insisted that all must carry out their functions with
fairness and transparency; without let or hindrance and without
fear or favour.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the
President Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said: “On
Saturday November 16, voters in two states, Bayelsa and Kogi, will
be left alone to decide who takes charge of the administration of
their important states for the next four years.

“Since the ban on campaigns was lifted a few weeks ago, their
citizens have been called to attend political rallies of various
hues and were bombarded with advertising on bill boards, radio and
TV; texts, tweets, WhatsApp and Facebook posts in campaigns that
sadly, have so far recorded not a few uninspiring incidents of
violence and of intemperate use of language.”

He said: “I call on voters in Bayelsa and Kogi States to
exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner and in
line with the law in all situations. Law enforcement officials must
ensure that citizens are allowed to vote without harassment and
intimidation and any attempt to steal or hijack ballots must be
stopped using all legal means.

“In all democratic elections, there are bound to be winners and
losers and the elections in Bayelsa and Kogi will not be different.
All candidates should be ready to accept the outcomes and wherever
they are dissatisfied, they should follow the due process of the
law in seeking redress. There must not be a resort to
self-help.”

The President wished the two states and their peoples a safe and
credible exercise as they vote in these historic and suspenseful
elections.