Elections 2023: the Emir of Ilorin urges the CENI to remain neutral

A few days before the general elections, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Council of Chiefs of Kwara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and impartial in the conduct of the ballot. exercise.

The traditional ruler also asked the election arbiter to ensure that the exercise takes place in a free, fair and credible atmosphere by giving all political parties equal rights and opportunities during the competition.< /p>

Alhaji Sulu Gambari warned politicians and their supporters not to heat up the political system for the purpose of soliciting votes from the electorate, as no society can grow in rancor and disorder.< /p>

He also advised people in the state to remain calm and resolute as they face the current difficulties resulting from currency exchange and fuel shortages across the country.

Alhaji Sulu Gambari, expressed his deep concern over the many socio-economic hardships orchestrated by the inadequate circulation of redesigned naira notes, the fuel shortage and the impending general elections in the coming days.

The monarch claimed that the current situation will only last for a short time, although he urged them to let peace prevail before, during and after the general elections.

In a statement released Thursday by his spokesman, Abdulazeez Arowona in Ilorin, the Emir urged parents to persuade their children and wards to obey the law towards the authorities and not get involved in any act likely to cause seizures, especially during this difficult time.

He stressed that for the nation to experience democratic progress in the face of several challenges, it requires tolerance, perseverance and adequate support from members of the public, regardless of their social status and beliefs. nuns, standing on the path of peace. and harmony to avoid disarray of government programs and actions.

"As traditional leaders, myself and my colleagues are deeply touched and aware of the various challenges faced by the general public, especially people at the grassroots level.

"I hope that while the government is making frantic efforts to remedy this dire situation, I appeal to the people of the emirate of Ilorin and Kwarans in general to remain calm and patient and not to allow person to use them to cause political unrest in society.

"Naira banknotes remain the only legal currency that allows easy transaction of commercial activities while a large volume of fuel is consumed daily for domestic and industrial purposes, so the scarcity of both has undoubtedly caused unbearable hardships on the people,” he added.

According to the Emir of Ilorin, "It is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that democracy can develop. I urge all pillars of political parties to strive to play the game of electoral processes by the rules by embracing peaceful coexistence among themselves, regardless of their party lines.

"Voters should also exercise their right to vote in a peaceful manner and vote for the candidates of their choice without fear. The emirate of Ilorin is peaceful, Kwara State is peaceful and we do not want any unfortunate incident which would tarnish our long standing reputation as the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” the statement added.