By joke Adeniyi-Jackson
Worried by the recent episodes of politically motivated violence in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the Committee of Surviving Elders and Leaders of Ilorin Emirate have warned politicians against conducts that could jeopardise peaceful conduct of the general elections in the state.
The warning was issued during a press conference addressed by the pioneer Grand Khadi of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Abdulkadir Orire on behalf of the group and held at the Emir’s palace in Ilorin, yesterday.
“This interaction is, no doubt, premised on the need to ensure that the age-long reputation of our community, as a sanctuary of harmony, is neither threatened nor disrupted before, during and after the elections.
“It is also hinged on the unpalatable apprehension of the likelihood of crisis, which may be precipitated by the conduct of the forthcoming elections, if not properly handled.”
The group, while stating their concerns and fears on the emerging dangerous political behaviour of some politicians and their supporters, stressed that election should not destroy the existing brotherhood among the people of the ancient town.
The emirate elders therefore charged politicians to play politics for the purpose of development and not as a do-or-die affair, urging them to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship in the quest to realise their aspirations.
“Those who are contesting should do so without causing any form of disturbance. They should be mindful of their leadership roles and never propel or encourage any form of violence.
“They should remember that history the unbiased judge of mankind is taking note. If you want to be on the positive side of history play politics within the ambit of the law of the land,” the group advised.
They called on the electorate to vote based on their conscience and eschew violence before, during and after the elections, stressing that as elders and leaders of the emirate they have zero tolerance for conflicts and troubles of any sort.
The statesmen advised security agencies to exhibit utmost diligence and untainted professionalism in their conduct throughout the electoral process.
Meanwhile, a special prayer for the peaceful outcome of the general elections in the state, was held immediately after the press conference at same venue.
The prayer which was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammad Soliu Bashir, was held in collaboration with the Ilorin Emirate Development Progressive Union(IEDPU).
Personalities in attendance included the Dan Masami of Ilorin, Alhaji Sheu AbdulGafar, former GrandKhadis of the Kwara State Shariah Court, Justice Idris Haroon Abdullahi and Justice Solihu Oloruntoyin Muhammed.
Others are Alhaji Mustapha father of Honourable Mashood Mustapha; immediate past IEDPU National President Ambassador Sheikh Usman Abdulazeez; Professor Lanre Yusuf Badmus; former Deputy Controller of Custom Alhaji Abdulmumeen Abdulmaliq; Engineer Kola Ibrahim; Hajia Halimat Yusuf; Hajia Maimunat Idiagbede; retired Permanent Secretary in the Public Service, Alhaja Raliat Oyenike Sanni; Alhaja Oniyangi among others.
